The Standing Committee on Health and Care Services has endorsed a government proposal to temporarily modify alcohol regulations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The measure would allow municipalities to extend hours for serving wine and beer at venues showing live matches between June 11 and July 19, 2026, to account for the time difference between Norway and the host countries. A majority of the committee supports the one-time exception, but the minority warns it will strain staff, police, and health services while potentially setting a precedent for future loosening of alcohol rules.
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These are the proposals in the document, not decisions. See the votes for the outcome.
In the Alcohol Act of June 2, 1989, a new ninth subsection shall be added to § 4-4: Municipalities may set serving hours for wine and beer that deviate from current rules during the period June 11–July 19, 2026. These rules may apply to the entire municipality or individual venues. Extended hours may only apply to establishments showing live 2026 FIFA World Cup men's matches to their patrons.
The law enters into force immediately. The ninth subsection of § 4-4 of the Alcohol Act expires July 20, 2026.
Proposal from the Christian Democratic Party: The Storting requests that the government enable municipalities to extend opening hours for food and beverage establishments during the 2026 FIFA World Cup for men without making exceptions to the Alcohol Act.