Members of Parliament are currently discussing whether supermarkets should be allowed to stock beer and wine. Vilhjálmur Árnason, a member of the Independence Party (Sjálfstæðisflokkurinn), who supports the bill, argues that the government needs to trust people to take personal responsibility when it comes to alcohol consumption.
“This would be an important step at improving services to rural areas all over the country,” Vilhjálmur added.
Read more: 67 per cent of Icelanders oppose to the idea of allowing the sale of wine in grocery stores
According to the National Broadcasting Service, those opposed to the bill maintain that selling alcohol in grocery stores will only come with increased health and safety risks. MP Frosti Sigurjónsson is one of those who believe selling beer and wine in stores would not be a socially responsible decision. “Are we willing to risk our health just so that store owners can turn a higher profit? Am I willing to pay this sacrifice just so that I can pick up a bottle of Bónus beer or Hagkaup red wine while shopping for groceries? Ultimately, we must decide for ourselves, but I’m saying no.”
Alcohol in Iceland is only sold in special state-run liquor stores named Vínbúðin, often referred to as ‘ríkið´. The stores are located all over the country and usually open between 11 am and 6 pm Monday to Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
Members of Parliament are currently discussing whether supermarkets should be allowed to stock beer and wine. Vilhjálmur Árnason, a member of the Independence Party (Sjálfstæðisflokkurinn), who supports the bill, argues that the government needs to trust people to take personal responsibility when it comes to alcohol consumption.
“This would be an important step at improving services to rural areas all over the country,” Vilhjálmur added.
Read more: 67 per cent of Icelanders oppose to the idea of allowing the sale of wine in grocery stores
According to the National Broadcasting Service, those opposed to the bill maintain that selling alcohol in grocery stores will only come with increased health and safety risks. MP Frosti Sigurjónsson is one of those who believe selling beer and wine in stores would not be a socially responsible decision. “Are we willing to risk our health just so that store owners can turn a higher profit? Am I willing to pay this sacrifice just so that I can pick up a bottle of Bónus beer or Hagkaup red wine while shopping for groceries? Ultimately, we must decide for ourselves, but I’m saying no.”
Alcohol in Iceland is only sold in special state-run liquor stores named Vínbúðin, often referred to as ‘ríkið´. The stores are located all over the country and usually open between 11 am and 6 pm Monday to Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
