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 – 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.