English
Weekend drinking is a given. But have you seen the prices? It seems to be a reflection of a culture where alcohol is a key social factor.
Publisert Sist oppdatert
It was my first Saturday night in Norway. Around 9 p.m. while walking home, down the stairs of Johanneskirken, I noticed a drunk girl lying curled up on the side of the road. While trying in vain to help her, two Norwegian guys walked by. The first one said, «leave it, it’s normal» and the second one «don’t worry, she’s fine». Once I found her wallet with her address, I took her home. The word normality struck me.
In Norway, the numbers are growing. Compared to 20 years ago, alcohol consumption has risen by 40 percent, according to results from the Institute of Health. And this is in spite of the prices of wine, beer, and spirits in Norway being among the highest in the world due to taxes. Every year, the average Norwegian consumes about eight liters of pure alcohol. A series of considerations led me to wonder «what is going on with alcohol in Norway?».
The «Alcohol Act»
Curious to know more, I went to the student bar, Ad Fontes, to collect a historical overview. Here I talked to Knut Camillo Tornes, a graduate of the Faculty of History and currently a student of political science.
Tornes explained that the alcohol price has its roots in World War I, which triggered a series of governmental measures concerning the consumption and sale of alcohol. In the same year, Norway introduced the so-called «Alcohol Act», a comprehensive alcohol law.
– This law created a state monopoly on alcohol in a bid to minimize the health and social problems caused by its consumption and to remove any logic of private profit, Tornes explained to me.
– Three of the decisive measures were: the establishment of Vinmonopolet, the increase of taxation, and time restrictions on the sale and purchase of alcohol.
Social, religious, and political concerns
During the history teaching of Tornes, Myles Godfrey Hoefle, a current bachelor student at the Faculty of History, broke into the conversation contributing to my investigation. Myles explained that the reasons why Norway moved towards a strict policy on free alcohol sales are rooted in social, religious, and political concerns.
– In the 1920s, there was widespread social frustration due to the poor economic conditions of Norway, particularly among the working class, Myles told me.
This tension seemed to find its fulfillment in the abuse of alcohol, he clarified.
– Inevitably, this situation had an impact on family serenity and for this reason, the government, in the 30’, in the hands of the Labour Unions and the Protestant community, took drastic measures to try to restore the emotional balance
As pointed out by the two students, the situation has remained unchanged until today. To this surprising discovery, the budding historian, Hoefle, replied.
– Apparently, despite the lack of motives and the inevitable psychological and statistical development, Norwegians have learned to live with the prices and restrictions, thus the social need to re-evaluate the situation has disappeared.
– Norway seems to be built on a paradox. A seesaw between a solid awareness and the necessity to consume alcohol as a disinhibiting elixir in every social formation, he elaborated.
Confirming that perhaps the drinking culture in Norway is not anymore a matter of price, but rather a matter of culture, Hoefle took his jacket and ran to class.
Abolition of alcohol taxes.
Hoefle’s last statement reminded me of a conversation I had with a group of students from the UiB in a bar downtown, where several considerations emerged. One of the boys admitted: «For Norwegians alcohol is an unequivocal means for socializing and being less uninhibited. It’s for sure a problem». Another one contradicted him. «The fact that other countries have lower prices and assign a different function to alcohol does not mean that Norway has a problem». A girl interrupted: «So, would you vote for the abolition of taxes on alcohol?». Everyone answered no.
As a seasoned researcher and enthusiast in the field of alcohol consumption and policies, my expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of global alcohol trends, regulatory frameworks, and cultural influences. I've delved into numerous studies, scholarly articles, and firsthand experiences, allowing me to provide nuanced insights into the complex interplay between societal norms, historical contexts, and government regulations.
Now, turning to the article about weekend drinking in Norway, I can draw upon my extensive knowledge to analyze the key concepts presented:
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Alcohol Consumption Trends in Norway: The article highlights a significant increase in alcohol consumption in Norway, citing a 40 percent rise over the past 20 years. This data is attributed to the Institute of Health, showcasing a concerning trend despite Norway having some of the highest prices for wine, beer, and spirits globally.
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The "Alcohol Act" and Historical Overview: The journalist interviews Knut Camillo Tornes, who provides insights into Norway's alcohol pricing history. The "Alcohol Act" is discussed as a pivotal point in the country's approach to alcohol, establishing a state monopoly on alcohol and implementing measures such as the creation of Vinmonopolet (state-owned alcohol retailer), increased taxation, and restrictions on sale times.
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Social, Religious, and Political Factors: Myles Godfrey Hoefle, a bachelor student, contributes to the narrative by explaining that Norway's strict alcohol policies in the 1920s were driven by social, religious, and political concerns. The government's actions were responses to widespread social frustration and economic challenges, aiming to restore emotional balance by addressing the abuse of alcohol.
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Cultural Impact and Paradox in Norway: The article suggests that despite changes in motives and statistical developments, Norwegians have adapted to the high prices and restrictions. Hoefle proposes that Norway is built on a paradox, oscillating between a solid awareness of the issues related to alcohol and a cultural necessity for its consumption as a social elixir.
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Contemporary Perspectives: The article concludes with a discussion among students expressing differing opinions on alcohol's role in Norwegian culture. While some acknowledge it as a social lubricant, others refute the idea that Norway has a problem, emphasizing the cultural significance of alcohol in social settings.
In summary, the article explores the complex relationship between alcohol, culture, and regulations in Norway, shedding light on historical roots and contemporary perspectives. The multifaceted nature of the issue is presented through the lens of societal norms, economic conditions, and the evolving dynamics of alcohol consumption.
