Am I allowed to buy alcohol in Norway?
Yes — but age, time and where you buy are regulated. You must be 18 for drinks under 22% (beer and wine) and 20 for spirits, that is 22% and above. Wine and spirits are sold only through the state Vinmonopolet; ordinary shops may only sell beer up to 4.7%. Shops may sell beer until 8pm at the latest on weekdays and 6pm on Saturdays and days before holidays, and never on Sundays and public holidays. Vinmonopolet is normally open Mon–Fri 10–18 and Saturday 10–16. The municipality can set shorter hours.
📋 The rules
- 18 for drinks under 22%, 20 for spirits
- Wine and spirits are sold only at Vinmonopolet
- Shops: only beer up to 4.7%
- Beer sales until 8pm weekday, 6pm Saturday
- No alcohol sales Sundays and holidays
🔓 Exceptions
- Bars and restaurants have their own, later serving hours
- Airport tax-free follows customs quotas, not the shop rules
- Some municipalities have stricter hours or local restrictions
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Selling to minors or outside sales hours can cost the seller its licence and bring a fine. Buying alcohol for minors is punishable under the Alcohol Act.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How old must I be to buy alcohol?
18 for beer and wine under 22%, and 20 for spirits at 22% and above.
Where can I buy wine and spirits?
Only at Vinmonopolet. Ordinary shops may only sell beer up to 4.7%.
When can the shop sell beer?
Until 8pm at the latest on weekdays and 6pm on Saturdays. Never on Sundays and public holidays.
Can I buy alcohol on Sunday?
No. Shops and Vinmonopolet do not sell alcohol on Sundays and public holidays.
Is it legal to buy alcohol for a minor?
No. Buying for a minor is punishable under the Alcohol Act, even if you are old enough yourself.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I buy alcohol norway”
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