Am I allowed to brew beer and wine at home in Norway?
Yes — you can brew beer, wine, cider and mead at home for personal use without a licence. Under the Alcohol Act private individuals may make alcohol that is not spirits, that is up to and including 22 percent by volume, for personal use. Home distilling of spirits is banned — anything over 22% is spirits, and private distillation is illegal regardless of strength. Even owning a still for spirit production is punishable. You cannot sell what you brew; it is for personal use only. To sell, you need a sales or serving licence.
📋 The rules
- Legal to brew beer, wine, cider and mead for personal use
- Up to and including 22 percent by volume without a licence
- Home distilling of spirits is banned
- Owning a still is punishable
- You cannot sell what you brew
🔓 Exceptions
- Selling or supplying for payment is always illegal without a licence
- Adding pure alcohol over 22% makes it illegal spirits
- Having or acquiring a still for spirits is itself punishable
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Illegal home distilling and illegal sale can bring a fine or prison, usually up to 6 months and more in serious cases, under the Alcohol Act. The equipment is confiscated.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I brew beer and wine at home?
Yes, for personal use and up to 22 percent by volume, without a licence. You can brew beer, wine, cider and mead.
Can I distil spirits at home?
No. Home distilling of spirits is banned, regardless of strength, and even owning a still is punishable.
How strong can I brew?
Up to and including 22 percent by volume. Anything over that counts as spirits and cannot be made privately.
Can I sell what I brew?
No. Home brew is for personal use only. Selling requires a sales or serving licence.
What is the penalty for home distilling?
A fine or prison, usually up to 6 months and more in serious cases. The equipment is confiscated.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I brew beer at home norway”
- “home brewing 22 percent”
- “home distilling banned”
- “brew wine personal use”
- “still illegal norway”
- “sell home brew”