TOPIC:

longs results do allow for a decline in drinking, but this can superseded with an increasing in reporting of cases

I'm off to Norway for a few days of skiing and I was looking forward to picking up a few beers from Nogne O and HaandBryggeriet while over there. I found out this morning that Vinmonopolet, the state off licence chain, may well defeat me before I even get there. They close early on Wednesday (before we arrive) and don't open again until AFTER EASTER!!!

With restrictions like this in place it stands to reason that Norway should

a. not suffer from alcohol related problems and
b. be the model of responsible consumption that we in Ireland should emulate.

Except of course that those assumptions are completely and utterly wrong. Binge drinking is as much of a problem in Norway as in Ireland, if not more so.

It's still worth checking the supermarkets if you can: both breweries make some great beers under the 4.7% ABV restriction. HaandBryggeriet's London Porter (4.5%) is especially good, and not sold in Vinmonopolet.

Still, tough break.

q[quote:rv5pggf5]both breweries make some great beers under the 4.7% ABV restriction. HaandBryggeriet's London Porter (4.5%) is especially good, and not sold in Vinmonopolet. [/quote:rv5pggf5]Thanks for the tip

It's gratifying to see we're not the only ones ranting about the current debate over alcohol[/url:3u1hm9ba].

Oh dear.