Broad support for Norwegian approach to alcohol control
80% support the alcohol retail monopoly “vinmonopolet” and a majority also supports the age limit of 20 years for purchases of liquor.
The Norwegian progressive alcohol policy continues to receive broad support in a survey conducted by Sentio, commissioned by Actis – Norwegian Policy Network on Alcohol and Drugs.
Key findings:
- 82% support the current ban on alcohol advertising
- 58% support the current times for selling alcohol in shops
- 71% agree that Norway should keep the current regulations of on-premise hours of alcohol trade
- Of those disagreeing with the current regulations of hours of trade (see 3rd bullet point), 16% want to see a reduction hours of trade.
Alcohol control under pressure
The current alcohol control regime is under pressure from the incumbent government. A range of measures – such as increases tax-free import quotas, undermining of the advertising ban, and opening up for retail alcohol from local wine farms –Â have been put in place which has weakened Norway’s progressive alcohol control policy and in doing so have lead to increases in alcohol use, according to Actis.