Kujalleq suspends alcohol sales and service

Greenland’s southern municipality of Kujalleq has temporarily suspended alcohol sales and service after the government approved a request from the municipality, DR reports.

Mayor Malene Wahl Rasmussen, of the Demokraatit party, said alcohol consumption was causing too many problems. “We can no longer stand passively by and watch the negative consequences alcohol consumption has for our surroundings, simply waiting for another serious incident in our community,” she said in a statement cited by Sermitsiaq.

The Greenlandic government, Naalakkersuisut, said the temporary closure aims to protect children’s welfare and public safety. The ban took effect on Friday, but it is unclear how long it will remain in place.

Alcohol restrictions have been introduced in parts of Greenland before. During the coronavirus pandemic, a temporary ban on serving drinks with an alcohol content above 2.25 per cent was imposed in Nuuk, Kapisillit and Qeqertarsuatsiaat to protect children staying at home.