Norway’s Red Party criticises government plan for 24-hour alcohol sales during World Cup

The Norwegian government’s proposal to allow round-the-clock alcohol service during the 2026 FIFA World Cup has drawn sharp criticism from Mímir Kristjánsson, a Red Party politician, who warns of increased violence, sick leave, and alcohol-related harm, Dagbladet reports.

Kristjánsson, 38, who has previously spoken openly about his own and his father’s struggles with alcoholism, broke his silence on the issue in a Facebook post on Sunday. While he acknowledged plans to enjoy the tournament in bars himself, he questioned the logic behind a month-long exemption to licensing laws for a single match ending at 4 AM.

“I just can’t comprehend why we should have 24-hour alcohol sales for a month because Norway is playing one—1—game that lasts until 4 AM,” he wrote.

The politician accused Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s government of failing to act responsibly, stating that Støre “isn’t mature enough to be the party pooper” by rejecting the proposal. Kristjánsson’s comments reflect broader concerns about the social costs of extended alcohol availability, including potential strains on emergency services and workplace absenteeism.

Norway currently restricts alcohol sales in licensed venues to between 8 AM and 3 AM on weekdays, with slightly longer hours on weekends. The World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will see some matches—including Norway’s group-stage game against Brazil—kick off late at night Central European Time, prompting calls to relax the rules.

Opponents argue that temporary deregulation could normalise excessive drinking and undermine public health policies. The debate follows similar controversies during past tournaments, where extended opening hours led to spikes in alcohol-related incidents.