29 Things You Should Never Do In Norway

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Don’t Expect To Find Strong Alcohol At The Supermarket

Source: http://www.citylade.no/

Any liquor that is stronger than 4.7% ABV (alcohol by volume) is regulated by the state. Spirits, wine, and even strong beer and ciders are only sold in Vinmonopolet shops. There are 272 wine monopoly shops in Norway, and you have to be at least 18 years old to purchase wine or beer but 20 to buy hard liquor with an alcohol content of 22% or higher. The shops are open from 10 AM to 5 PM Mondays to Wednesdays, 10 AM to 6 PM Thursdays to Fridays, 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays, and are closed on Sundays and holidays. You can still buy beer from the local grocery or supermarket, but they don’t sell anything stronger than 4.7%. Even though this regulation may sound restrictive, the majority of Norwegians appreciate the wine monopoly because they see the health benefits of limiting access to alcohol and curbing high alcoholism rates. Perhaps this is one of the reasons Norwegians are among the happiest people on earth—with lower alcohol consumption, there are less health problems and drinking-related accidents, damages, and conflicts.