The Entrance of Beer into a Persistent Spirits Culture

• Published in: Contemporary Drug Problems
• Main Author: Ólafsdóttir, Hildigunnur
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications 1999
• Subjects: Iceland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/009145099902600402; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/009145099902600402

Prohibition and legalization of alcoholic beverages have involved major changes in Icelandic alcohol policy and alcohol consumption. The waves of prohibition were more pervasive than in most countries and lasted even longer in Iceland, where the prohibition of beer was not lifted until 1989. Attempts to explain the reasons behind the prohibition and the legalization of beer are addressed. The origins of the prohibition of beer are traced back to a strong temperance movement and to the long-standing image of the Icelandic society as a spirits-drinking culture. Legalization of beer caused an instant rise in the total sale of alcohol, but the sale of wines and spirits was reduced. Survey results indicate that beer became an addition to the total consumption of alcohol among men but a substitute for the consumption of wine and spirits among women. As a whole, it seems that the legalization of beer increased adolescents' drinking. The legalization of beer was an impetus for the restaurant industry, and beer has become popular as a tavern drink. Although beer drinking has increased, beer has not become a daily commodity. The traditional drinking habits still prevail. Indicators of social and legal problems such as public intoxication, drunken driving, and illegal brewing either show a decline or have fluctuated. The trends in alcohol-related health consequences after the repeal of beer prohibition are also somewhat inconclusive. The Icelandic experience suggests that long-standing and deep cultural associations and values around drinking are difficult to change.