Is alcohol banned in Iceland?

The ban on wine was lifted in 1922 and on spirits in 1935 but for some reason beer was banned in Iceland until 1989! Even today alcohol sales in Iceland are highly regulated and government run liquor stores (Vínbúðin) are the only places to buy alcohol in Iceland.

Can you drink alcohol in Iceland?

You can't just walk into the supermarket and pick up a bottle of wine as you can in most countries. Except for low-alcohol beer, you have to go to special shops called Vinbudin to buy alcohol. The state runs these liquor stores, and they are typically open from 11 am to 6 pm.

Why is there no alcohol in Iceland?

The independence and temperance movements reinforced each other, and in 1908, four years after gaining home rule, Iceland held a referendum on a proposal to outlaw all alcohol from 1915. About 60% voted in favour.

What things are banned in Iceland?

Not only is it illegal to sell panties, boxers, thongs, and jock straps with the Icelandic flag on them (that would be disrespectful), it is also illegal to sell or advertise items of foreign origin if the image of an Icelandic flag has been put on them (that would be unpatriotic).

Why are there no dogs in Iceland?

In 1924, Reykjavik banned locals from having dogs as pets in an attempt to control the spread of a disease. The ban was enforced to minimise the risk of locals being affected by the outbreak of echinococcosis, a type of tapeworm spreading on the island.

Iceland Travel Tips - Alcohol in Iceland

Can you smoke in public in Iceland?

Smoking cigarettes is legal in Iceland. However, there are several laws concerning where people can smoke cigarettes which came into effect in June of 2007. Like many countries, in Iceland it is no longer legal to smoke inside any public buildings.

Is there a high rate of alcoholism in Iceland?

Iceland has the seventh lowest proportion of people that drink at least once per week, just over 20%. The United Kingdom has the highest proportion of such frequent drinkers, 52.5%.

Do supermarkets in Iceland sell alcohol?

Supermarkets are not allowed to sell alcohol of any kind but most restaurants are allowed to sell alcohol. The only stores that are allowed to sell alcohol are government owned alcohol stores called Vínbúðin. People under the age of 20 are not allowed to buy alcohol of any kind in Iceland.

Is Iceland strict on drinking age?

The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20. Grocery stores only have low-alcohol beer; all other alcohol is sold in state-controlled stores called Vínbúð, with limited opening hours. If you're arriving by plane and want to have some stronger alcohol on you, we advise to get some at the airport.

Why is the Iceland drinking age so high?

“The drinking age in Iceland has, historically, been largely linked to the voting age. When prohibition—except for beer—ended in 1935, the drinking age was set at 21, in line with the new voting age, which had been reduced from 25 to 21 the previous year.

Can I drink in public in Iceland?

Reykjavik at night is a place where mass public drinking is completely socially acceptable from Thursday evening to Sunday morning, even though it is technically illegal. It might seem confusing at first, but there's a reason for everything, including Icelandic drinking habits and nightlife.

Why is alcohol expensive in Iceland?

Simple answer: Taxes!

One of the things which is taxed most heavily in Iceland is alcohol. Alcohol taxes are levied by alcohol volume. If we take the bottle of vodka as an example: The Alcohol Tax makes up 5,419 ISK to the price of 7,300. The value added tax adds another 724 ISK.

What is the smoking age in Iceland?

The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Do bars in Iceland ID?

There are some bars that allow 18 year olds to come in, but those are very few. Everyone is carded at the door, and most bars don't want to have ask for ID's at the point of purchase as well as at the door.

Can I have a beer in Icelandic?

Have a Bjór! Fortunately for tourists, one of the few Icelandic words that is easy to pronounce for English speakers is beer, or bjór.

What is beer in Iceland called?

Víking Jólabjór (Víking Christmas beer) Lager. Víking/CCEP. Icelandic water, malt, hops.

How can I buy alcohol in Iceland?

In Iceland, alcohol isn't sold in the grocery shops. You can only buy alcohol in the state-owned liquor stores named ÁTVR, usually called 'Ríkið'. Twelve stores are operated in the capital area and one is located in the city centre.

Can you drink and drive in Iceland?

In Iceland all driving off roads or marked tracks is prohibited by law. Icelandic law forbids any driving under the influence of alcohol.

Which country is the most alcoholic?

Belarus had the world's highest level of alcohol consumption, with 17.5 liters of alcohol consumed per capita. The country's high level of consumption has had serious health consequences on its residents.

What is the most drunk country in the world?

Australians have been named the heaviest drinkers in the world in a survey after spending more time drunk in 2020 than any other nation. The international survey found Australians drank to the point of drunkenness an average of 27 times a year, almost double the global average of 15.

What country has the highest alcoholism?

Is there drugs in Iceland?

This is a side of Iceland rarely seen by visitors. Under current laws, possessing illegal drugs in Iceland can result in heavy fines and jail time. Hash and marijuana are the most-seized drugs by police officers, followed by amphetamines, with only small amounts of ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin seized.

Are dogs illegal in Iceland?

Dogs are forbidden

Strictly speaking, it is forbidden to own dogs in Iceland. In 1971, a complete ban on dogs was enforced in Reykjavík, but 13 years later the rules were changed, and people could own dogs if both owner and dog met a few conditions.

Can you drink the water in Reykjavik?

Yes, it is safe to drink the tap water and 95% of all water in Iceland comes from springs. It is in fact one of the cleanest and most delicious drinking water in the world. Unlike in many neighbouring countries, the Icelandic water is free of chlorine, calcium, and nitrate.

Are cigarettes cheap in Iceland?

Pricing. The average cost for a 20-pack of cigarettes falls around 1,300.00 kr, or US$10.45. The price of the lowest cost cigarettes, as of 2016-17 is the brand American Legend, priced at 1055.00 ISK, or US$8.49 per pack of 20 cigarettes.