in grocery stores under changes planned by Norway’s new centre-right government, despite initial reports.“There will be no change in the way of importing and distributing alcohol in Norway with the new Government,” said Pål-Helge Kraknes, MD of Altia-owned Strøm.
The news comes after reports from inside the country last month that the Conservatives (Høyre) and the Progress Party (Framskrittspartiet), which formed a coalition following this year's election, were considering the sale of beer and wine in mainstream grocery stores, as well as state monopoly-run Vinmonopolet outlets.
Vinmonopolet (The Wine Monopoly), Norway's government-controlled wine and liquor stores, are losing revenue due to increased duty free sales and customers who shop in Sweden.
However, a pact with Norway’s other two parties, including the Christian Democrats, means that Vinmonopolet will undergo only minor changes to its operations.
