Oslo’s alcohol laws are under scrutiny after the city implemented 24-hour liquor licensing during the World Cup. While Oslo Venstre is now calling for permanent døgnåpen skjenking (24-hour serving) to emulate other European capitals, the Norwegian police reported that supporters behaved “unusually well” despite the extended hours.
Why is Oslo debating permanent 24-hour alcohol sales?
Haakon Riekeles, the group leader for Venstre in Oslo, argues that the World Cup experience proves Norwegians can drink in moderation. He is pushing to make 24-hour serving permanent, claiming it makes the city more vibrant and aligns Oslo with other major European hubs. According to Riekeles, the extended hours were a “huge success” that facilitated the desired atmosphere of a public festival.
This push follows a peak in celebrations on a Monday night when 100.000 people filled central Oslo after Norway defeated Brazil 2–1. Despite the taps remaining open all night, police told VG that the public generally behaved “unusually well.”
What do other political parties say about extended licensing?
Political consensus on the issue is split between those favoring liberalization and those fearing social consequences.
The Pro-Liberalization Camp
- Høyre: MP Erlend Svardal Bøe agrees the World Cup experiment worked but suggests a narrower application. He proposes that municipalities should decide on extensions specifically for top-level international sports events occurring at night.
- Fremskrittspartiet (FrP): MP Kristian August Eilertsen supports a broad liberalization of alcohol laws in principle, suggesting that individual establishments should decide their own hours. However, he noted it is “too early” to say the World Cup results prove this policy is positive.
The Opposition Camp
- KrF: Deputy leader Ida Lindtveit Røse maintains that Norway should keep a restrictive alcohol policy. She labeled the Labour Party “populist” for allowing the extensions and argues that most matches fell within normal serving hours anyway.
- SV: MP Lars Haltbrekken attributes the success of the festivities to the national team’s performance rather than the alcohol. He points out that many celebrations, including one he attended with thousands of other supporters at Rådhusplassen, were alcohol-free.
- Rødt: MP Seher Aydar argues the focus on alcohol is misplaced. She suggests municipalities should prioritize free public screenings in cities and small towns to foster community over focusing on “beer taps.”
How does the Labour Party view the future of these rules?
Despite the success of the event, the Labour Party (Ap) is unlikely to support a permanent change. MP Hashim Abdi stated that while the party is satisfied with the atmosphere created by the extended hours, the exception was an “extraordinary case.” Abdi explicitly stated that a permanent change “will probably not be actual.”
This creates a sharp contrast: while Venstre sees the World Cup as a proof-of-concept for a new urban lifestyle, the Labour party views it as a one-time anomaly tied to the unique social bond of football.
Comparing the Arguments: Liberalization vs. Restriction
| Argument for Extension | Argument against Extension |
|---|---|
| City becomes more “alive” and European. | Increased workload for nightlife employees. |
| Police reported “unusually good” behavior. | Risk of increased violence and drunkenness. |
| Facilitates late-night global sporting events. | Need for alcohol-free “people’s parties.” |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Oslo get 24-hour alcohol serving permanently?
Currently, there is no agreement. Venstre wants it, but the Labour Party (Ap) has stated it was an extraordinary exception and is unlikely to happen.
Did crime increase during the World Cup extended hours?
According to police statements to VG, supporters behaved “unusually well,” although police did report that “normal noise” lasted longer into the morning hours.
Which parties oppose the extension of drinking hours?
KrF, SV, Rødt, Sp, and MDG have voiced opposition, citing concerns over worker stress and the need for sober celebrations.
What do you think? Should Oslo adopt 24-hour licensing to match other European capitals, or is a restrictive policy safer for the community? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Norwegian policy changes.
