For Norway’s first participation in a World Cup since 1998, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store believes that the population should be able to watch the competition matches while enjoying a few beers. However, local laws only allow pubs and bars to serve alcohol until 3 am, while many World Cup matches – being held across the Atlantic – will be broadcast at night in Europe.
Therefore, the regulations need to be adjusted promptly. The Parliament will thus authorize the sale of beer and wine (but not spirits) until 6 am from June 11 to July 19, during the entire duration of the tournament, by the end of May. “A real response to a real question of everyday life,” praised the Labour Party government leader in March, as reported by Aftenposten, when announcing the upcoming measure.
“Dramatic change”
Norwegians will therefore be able to order a few more beers while watching, among others, striker Erling Haaland and his teammates take on Senegal on June 23 starting at 2 am – Oslo and Paris time. The other Norway matches will be broadcast at less late hours: the one against Iraq starting at midnight on June 1
