The Norwegian government is considering expanding the sale of stronger alcoholic beverages directly from farms, a move aimed at supporting small producers and boosting rural tourism. Currently, only certain types of alcohol like cider and fruit wines can be sold directly from farms outside the state alcohol monopoly, Vinmonopolet.
Government proposal to support rural producers
Health and Care Services Minister Jan Christian Vestre announced that the government is launching a legal review to explore whether farm sales of stronger drinks like strong beer, vermouth, grape wine, and spirits could be permitted without violating European Economic Area (EEA) regulations. The objective is to provide farmers and local communities with new opportunities for value creation.
“We want to give farmers and local communities new opportunities for value creation, while maintaining Norway’s strict alcohol policy,” Vestre stated in an official release. The proposal mirrors similar developments in Sweden, where limited direct farm sales have been allowed outside of the Systembolaget monopoly.
Legal review expected by August 2025
A legal review commissioned by the Ministry is expected to be completed by August 2025. If the study finds that such a change is legally feasible under EEA law, the government will assess various models and potential consequences of an expanded farm sales scheme. These would include the economic, health, and social impacts, as well as implications for existing market actors.
Today, Norwegian farms can already sell certain alcoholic beverages like cider, mead, and fruit wine. An expanded framework would enable more small-scale producers to market their own high-proof drinks on-site, enhancing local tourism and the availability of short-travelled products.
Vinmonopolet’s monopoly to remain intact
Despite the proposed liberalisation, Vestre underlined that Vinmonopolet would retain its role in Norway’s alcohol system. “We must ensure a solution that does not undermine the role of Vinmonopolet,” he said. The government is committed to maintaining Norway’s model of controlled alcohol sales, which is considered a pillar of the country’s public health strategy.
Stakeholders including Vinmonopolet and other industry actors will be involved in the ongoing assessment process. Parliament (Stortinget) has already agreed that the government should examine how farm-based alcohol sales could be expanded in a way that aligns with Norway’s social and legal obligations.
