Alcohol
Alcohol in Norway
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​Buying Beer from the Supermarket
It’s a common occurrence for many vacationers in Norway, especially in Bergen, to want a beer on a Saturday evening after a long day of exploring the city. Alternatively, they might drink while getting ready for dinner later that night.
However, it’s important to be aware of the limited time available to purchase alcohol in Norway, particularly alcohol with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.7% or higher.
Norway has strict regulations regarding alcohol sales in stores. Alcohol with an ABV of 4.7% or higher must be purchased at a state-owned alcohol shop called Vinmonopolet. Anything below 4.7% can be sold in local supermarkets, but there are also time restrictions for buying alcohol here.
Supermarkets can sell beer lager or cider with an ABV of 4.7% until 8:00 PM on weekdays and 6:00 PM on Saturdays. The stores are closed on Sundays. Therefore, if you forget to buy your favourite beer on a Saturday before 6:00 PM, you’ll have to wait until they reopen on Monday.
If you want to purchase wine, spirits, or stronger beer, you must do so at Vinmonopolet. The opening hours for Vinmonopolet are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (10:00 AM to 18:00 PM) on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (10:00 AM to 16:00 PM) on Saturdays. The store is closed on Sundays.
Keep in mind that alcohol in Norway is heavily taxed, so it may be surprising when you compare the prices of alcohol to other places in Europe.
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Here's a link to the Vinmonopolet to see what the current prices are.
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To buy wine or beer in Norway, the minimum age is 18 years. For spirits, it is 20 years.
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Bars and Clubs.
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Bergen has a different alcohol policy compared to Oslo. The legal drinking age is 18 for alcohol up to 21% and 20+ for alcohol with a 22% or higher alcohol content.
Additionally, some bars have an age restriction of 23 to avoid attracting younger patrons, as they tend to cause more trouble. So, if you plan to go out for drinks with your kids, be aware of this potential restriction.
Regarding infants in bars, the rules vary widely. Many bars don’t allow young children, while some do, but only if they have an outdoor area. A few bars even allow children until 20:00. Since there’s no general rule, it’s best to check each bar’s website for their specific policy.
Norwegians generally drink later in the evening, except when the sun is shining, in which case the city comes alive from around 16:00 (4 pm). Monday to Wednesday tend to be quieter, and some bars don’t open on Mondays. So, it’s advisable to check their websites for opening hours. Many bars also extend their opening hours during the winter. The summer hours are usually from 12 pm, while the winter hours are from 14:00 (2 pm) or 16:00 (4 pm).
You’ll also notice that alcohol offers are rare in Norway. This is strictly prohibited by law, and bars are very serious about enforcing it. You won’t see any promotions like “2 for 1” or “happy hour” advertised anywhere in Norway. It’s illegal for bars to promote these deals. Additionally, bars don’t display Heineken or Guinness on their work uniforms. You’ll also find that there are no alcohol advertisements anywhere, and the alcohol in supermarkets doesn’t have a sign indicating its location. Furthermore, sponsored bar mats are often upside down or facing the bar, making it difficult for customers to read the advertisements.
Lastly, it’s illegal to carry a beer in your hand in the city. So, don’t be surprised if a local person scolds you if you do this.
I hope these tips have been helpful. Now, go ahead and enjoy Bergen, have fun, and don’t forget to be mindful of the local customs!
Best regards,
Billy
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