25 Reasons Norway Is The Greatest Place On Earth

Tabnabs · 08-01-2014 4:03pm #1

As if we needed the internet to remind us :P

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/07/norway-greatest-place-on-earth_n_4550413.html?ir=Travel

Norway is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It's home to more natural wonders than we can count and it has stunning cities, fascinating history and really happy people.

Lucena · 08-01-2014 4:05pm

25? The price of a pint in Norway.

Aard · 08-01-2014 4:14pm

This is essentially ripped off reddit. Seriously, that site is dangerously obsessed with Norway! The Ålesund photos crop up way too often.

long range shooter · 10-01-2014 10:32am

Lucena wrote: »

25? The price of a pint in Norway.

Does everything in your life evolve around a pint?

Lucena · 10-01-2014 3:38pm

Actually no it doesn't. But it’s a point of comparison between the prices in one country and the prices in another, and one which most people understand.

I could have used the kilo of spuds as a reference, but most people don’t go buying spuds when on a foreign holiday. They generally go out for a drink though.

My remark was meant to be flippant, almost AH-like, in keeping with the tone generally reserved for discussing internet list-based articles.

long range shooter · 10-01-2014 5:41pm

Lucena wrote: »

Actually no it doesn't. But it’s a point of comparison between the prices in one country and the prices in another, and one which most people understand.

I could have used the kilo of spuds as a reference, but most people don’t go buying spuds when on a foreign holiday. They generally go out for a drink though.

My remark was meant to be flippant, almost AH-like, in keeping with the tone generally reserved for discussing internet list-based articles.

That's why it's a BIG difference living in Ireland vs Norway

Lady Chuckles · 10-01-2014 7:01pm

Ah here, be nice... She meant no harm and it is, in fairness, a pretty expensive country for visitors

Although if you're living there you can well afford a pint, I'm sure, because with such high prices comes quite a large salary

long range shooter · 11-01-2014 10:37am

Lady Chuckles wrote: »

Ah here, be nice... She meant no harm and it is, in fairness, a pretty expensive country for visitors
Although if you're living there you can well afford a pint, I'm sure, because with such high prices comes quite a large salary

I know ,sorry no offense,but you are spot on there,that's my point .

dubrov · 11-01-2014 10:45am

In fairness, the price of a pint is far higher relative to wages than here. This has a big impact on pub culture, i.e. there is very little.

They have gone down the high taxes, high public services route and it seems to be working well.
I guess we have gone down the high taxes low public services avenue.

long range shooter · 11-01-2014 11:00am

dubrov wrote: »

In fairness, the price of a pint is far higher relative to wages than here. This has a big impact on pub culture, i.e. there is very little.

They have gone down the high taxes, high public services route and it seems to be working well.
I guess we have gone down the high taxes low public services avenue.

There is no pub culture in Scandinavia,except for the Danish maybe.
But then again the Danish are paying higher taxes than Norway and Sweden.
It's more a drinking in the weekends culture,and then a lot,lol.
And the governments are taxing high on alcohol cause they think it will effect the consumption,which it doesn't,it only leads to more smuggling and home brew and people drinking at home instead.

ush · 11-01-2014 10:26pm

long range shooter wrote: »

There is no pub culture in Scandinavia,except for the Danish maybe.

Scandinavia is in the vodka belt, so its not that suprising. Danish alcohol consumption is higher than Norway's and Sweden's.

long range shooter wrote: »

And the governments are taxing high on alcohol cause they think it will effect the consumption,which it doesn't,it only leads to more smuggling and home brew and people drinking at home instead.

Home brewing in this day and age?

Regulation and taxation have a large effect on consumption; even when you take into account private imports and home drinking.

long range shooter · 11-01-2014 10:32pm

ush wrote: »

Scandinavia is in the vodka belt, so its not that suprising. Danish alcohol consumption is higher than Norway's and Sweden's.

Home brewing in this day and age?

Regulation and taxation have a large effect on consumption; even when you take into account private imports and home drinking.

Home brewing is very common in Norway,just because of high prices on alcohol in general.Its legal for own use,but not legal to sell.
Regulation doesn't have much effect in Norway believe it or not.

ush · 11-01-2014 11:09pm

long range shooter wrote: »

Regulation doesn't have much effect in Norway believe it or not.

The figures beg to differ.

long range shooter · 12-01-2014 1:04am

ush wrote: »

The figures beg to differ.

I am sure they do,even better if you present them

ush · 12-01-2014 2:10am

Om Europa delas upp i regioner så dricks det minst i Norden med 10,4 liter ren alkohol per år. Därefter följer Sydeuropa med 11,2 liter, Central- och Västeuropa med 12,4 liter och högst konsumtion uppmäts i Central- och Östeuropa med 14,5 liter alkohol per vuxen (Anderson m.fl. 2012).

http://www.can.se/sv/Drogfakta/Fragor-och-Svar/Alkohol/#3

long range shooter · 12-01-2014 11:39am

ush wrote: »

Om Europa delas upp i regioner så dricks det minst i Norden med 10,4 liter ren alkohol per år. Därefter följer Sydeuropa med 11,2 liter, Central- och Västeuropa med 12,4 liter och högst konsumtion uppmäts i Central- och Östeuropa med 14,5 liter alkohol per vuxen (Anderson m.fl. 2012).

http://www.can.se/sv/Drogfakta/Fragor-och-Svar/Alkohol/#3

Where is the part with the home brew?And do you have international figures?not Swedish

ush · 12-01-2014 3:52pm

long range shooter wrote: »

Where is the part with the home brew?

Home brew isn't the problem it once was. Europe is more open. Easier to get hold of smuggled booze instead.

Those figures include total consumed. Which accounts for off the radar purchases.

long range shooter wrote: »

And do you have international figures?not Swedish

Well the figures did mention other areas of Europe. They would also be the same figures used by international organisations, like the WHO.

Maybe you could back up your contention that restrictive Scandinavian alcohol policies have no impact. Try not to rely on anecdotal evidence.

long range shooter · 12-01-2014 4:23pm

ush wrote: »

Home brew isn't the problem it once was. Europe is more open. Easier to get hold of smuggled booze instead.

Those figures include total consumed. Which accounts for off the radar purchases.

Well the figures did mention other areas of Europe. They would also be the same figures used by international organisations, like the WHO.

Maybe you could back up your contention that restrictive Scandinavian alcohol policies have no impact. Try not to rely on anecdotal evidence.

Well we didn't discuss the total consumption as far as I am aware:rolleyes:
What I said was that a lot of alcohol consumed in Norway was homemade brew and moonshine,and smuggled alcohol.
This because of high taxes on alcohol.and that this didn't have any impact on the consumption of alcohol.
I am well aware that the Nordic countries have low consumption vs other countries.
25% of the total consumption in Norway is from smuggled alcohol or moonshine.

http://www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-63971283/the-validity-of-political-arguments-in-the-norwegian

TireeTerror · 12-01-2014 4:38pm

Most people I know from Norway are regular consumers of home brew.

Lets be honest, there is little in Ireland that is better than in Norway. Scenery in Ireland is very poor pretty much everywhere, crime rates are shocking, driving standards are shocking, generally a fairly ugly race. About the only thing there is to talk about is Guinness and I dont even like that muck.

Ireland is falling to bits and its only going to get worse as they continue to promote sending all the skilled youth away to the US/Australia and Canada. The ageing population will provide a huge burden on social welfare and the politicians are disgusting, self-obsessed greedy trolls who have only their self-interests to care about.

Anyone who has never been to Norway, I advise a trip and be prepared to be shocked at the attitudes of people. There is a genuine care for society as a whole, the people seem less self-centered.

Aard · 12-01-2014 4:53pm

Oh would you give over with the doom and gloom! The country is hardly falling to bits, and is still one of the best places to live in the world.

long range shooter · 12-01-2014 5:01pm

TireeTerror wrote: »

Anyone who has never been to Norway, I advise a trip and be prepared to be shocked at the attitudes of people. There is a genuine care for society as a whole, the people seem less self-centered.

God you are good ,one a trip to Norway and you know all about the country already:rolleyes:
You should have gotten the Nobels peace price for being ignorant.

ush · 12-01-2014 5:07pm

long range shooter wrote: »

Well we didn't discuss the total consumption as far as I am aware:rolleyes:

We were discussing alcohol policies. Kind of meaningless unless you discuss consumption of alcohol.

long range shooter wrote: »

What I said was that a lot of alcohol consumed in Norway was homemade brew and moonshine,and smuggled alcohol.
This because of high taxes on alcohol.and that this didn't have any impact on the consumption of alcohol.
I am well aware that the Nordic countries have low consumption vs other countries.
25% of the total consumption in Norway is from smuggled alcohol or moonshine.

http://www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-63971283/the-validity-of-political-arguments-in-the-norwegian

Even with the smuggled and home distilled booze Sweden and Norway are below European averages. So the policies do work. You said it doesn't effect consumption. It does.

biko · 12-01-2014 6:11pm

Norway is a happy place, I think it's partly down the cutest accent ever.

Imagine the sound of two angry Norwegians trying to kick off outside some pub. You just want to go up and hug them

TireeTerror · 12-01-2014 7:06pm

long range shooter wrote: »

God you are good ,one a trip to Norway and you know all about the country already:rolleyes:
You should have gotten the Nobels peace price for being ignorant.

One trip? Ha ha now who is showing their ignorance! I lived there for several years FYI.

Fairly sure I will go back too, the only thing that puts me off is the language barrier and the fact I cant be bothered to learn a Scandinavian language. Its too easy for everyone to fall into speaking English, and they love to practice anyway.

TireeTerror · 12-01-2014 7:09pm

Aard wrote: »

Oh would you give over with the doom and gloom! The country is hardly falling to bits, and is still one of the best places to live in the world.

It may be "one" of the best places, if you include the third world. In the first world, its scraping the bottom of the barrel and isnt showing any signs of improving. I guess the fundamental nature of Irish people is the problem.

Lady Chuckles · 12-01-2014 7:40pm

TireeTerror wrote: »

Lets be honest, there is little in Ireland that is better than in Norway. Scenery in Ireland is very poor pretty much everywhere, crime rates are shocking, driving standards are shocking, generally a fairly ugly race. About the only thing there is to talk about is Guinness and I dont even like that muck.

Oh my goodness!! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Norway is beautiful, but I don't think you're being fair to Ireland :mad: There are plenty of scenery! There are beautiful cities, nature and historical/cultural sights. ... and people are far from ugly! I don't think it's fair to bulk them all up as a race and say they're ugly. I love their precious pale skin, their gorgeous eyes and all the freckles

(generalising now, of course, but you get the gist)

ush · 12-01-2014 8:03pm

Both Oslo and Dublin are awash with heroin. Central Oslo is like a zombie film.

TireeTerror · 12-01-2014 8:26pm

Lady Chuckles wrote: »

Oh my goodness!! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Norway is beautiful, but I don't think you're being fair to Ireland :mad: There are plenty of scenery! There are beautiful cities, nature and historical/cultural sights. ... and people are far from ugly! I don't think it's fair to bulk them all up as a race and say they're ugly. I love their precious pale skin, their gorgeous eyes and all the freckles (generalising now, of course, but you get the gist)

There are of course beautiful looking people in Ireland, but in general if you were to stand in any city or town centre for 1 hour and take the average, the Irish are absolutely rotten looking in comparison to your average Norwegian. I remember I was over in Estonia for a while and I met a girl there who had lived in Ireland for about 5 years, when I asked her what she thought of Ireland, her lasting memory was that she couldnt believe how ugly a race it was! I thought this was ridiculous, however I was in McDonalds asking someone for directions and even in there, the people were slim and generally stunning. Of course thats Estonia, but you get the jest. Also they dont tend to stagger about the streets in a state at night, fighting and being sick everywhere.

Also you have posted 1 picture of a little rocky bit of Ireland, but its really just nothing at all in comparison to Norway. In fact even Scotland has vastly more stunning and more rugged natural scenery than ireland.

If I had to sum up what amazed me about life in Norway, I would say that the biggest difference was how conscientious people are of others and their feelings.

Aard · 12-01-2014 8:43pm

TireeTerror wrote: »

It may be "one" of the best places, if you include the third world. In the first world, its scraping the bottom of the barrel and isnt showing any signs of improving. I guess the fundamental nature of Irish people is the problem.

Scraping the bottom of the barrel? What hyperbole. I'll give it to you that Norway is a fantastic country, and is in a league of its own in many ways. But saying such things about Ireland is disingenuous. Having lived abroad myself (in a first world country at that...) I can say that Ireland is certainly not the worst of the best. I don't know what experiences you've had here to make you think that, but it's certainly not a viewpoint I can identify with.

long range shooter · 12-01-2014 8:59pm

TireeTerror wrote: »

One trip? Ha ha now who is showing their ignorance! I lived there for several years FYI.

Fairly sure I will go back too, the only thing that puts me off is the language barrier and the fact I cant be bothered to learn a Scandinavian language. Its too easy for everyone to fall into speaking English, and they love to practice anyway.

Good for you,then why bother going back,lol.
And you lived here for several years and don't even know the language.I am sure you would have reach further to people if you did.

long range shooter · 12-01-2014 9:02pm

ush wrote: »

We were discussing alcohol policies. Kind of meaningless unless you discuss consumption of alcohol.

Even with the smuggled and home distilled booze Sweden and Norway are below European averages. So the policies do work. You said it doesn't effect consumption. It does.

Then why is 25 % smuggled or home made?

Satriale · 12-01-2014 9:23pm

Lady Chuckles wrote: »

Oh my goodness!! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Norway is beautiful, but I don't think you're being fair to Ireland :mad: There are plenty of scenery! There are beautiful cities, nature and historical/cultural sights. ... and people are far from ugly! I don't think it's fair to bulk them all up as a race and say they're ugly. I love their precious pale skin, their gorgeous eyes and all the freckles (generalising now, of course, but you get the gist)

The last time i tried to look at that view someone was trying to charge me for the pleasure.
Ireland, you cant beat it...

ush · 12-01-2014 9:41pm

long range shooter wrote: »

Then why is 25 % smuggled or home made?

Because access is restricted and taxation makes is somewhat prohibitive. But total consumption is reduced, which is the point of the policy.

The total amount of alcohol consumed would increase if the Swe & Nor liberalised their policies.

Unrecorded alcohol would still exist, even if they reduced excise on alcohol and got rid of the monopolies. It may be reduced somewhat but it wouldn't disappear.

So I'm still trying to figure out how you came to the conclusion "Regulation doesn't have much effect in Norway believe it or not".

long range shooter · 12-01-2014 9:45pm

ush wrote: »

Because access is restricted and taxation makes is somewhat prohibitive. But total consumption is reduced, which is the point of the policy.

The total amount of alcohol consumed would increase if the Swe & Nor liberalised their policies.

Unrecorded alcohol would still exist, even if they reduced excise on alcohol and got rid of the monopolies. It may be reduced somewhat but it wouldn't disappear.

So I'm still trying to figure out how you came to the conclusion "Regulation doesn't have much effect in Norway believe it or not".

Ok then,I am obviously taking to an expert on the subject.
So you are saying the smuggling and moonshine is not because of the restrictions and taxation,I rest my case.

ush · 12-01-2014 9:52pm

long range shooter wrote: »

Ok then,I am obviously taking to an expert on the subject.
So you are saying the smuggling and moonshine is not because of the restrictions and taxation,I rest my case.

Before you can judge something a failure, you need to understand the point of the exercise and the effect it has had. Levels of smuggling and moonshine aren't the criteria by which Scandinavian alcohol policies should be judged. Reducing the total amount of alcohol consumed, and thereby improving the health of the general population, is the goal.

long range shooter · 12-01-2014 10:01pm

ush wrote: »

Before you can judge something a failure, you need to understand the point of the exercise and the effect it has had. Levels of smuggling and moonshine aren't the criteria by which Scandinavian alcohol policies should be judged. Reducing the total amount of alcohol consumed, and thereby improving the health of the general population, is the goal.

Well the Scandinavian countries have the lowest consumption already,but that doesn't leave the fact that the restrictions have led to more smuggling and moonshine.Hereby the restrictions is a failure.

http://www.norwaypost.no/index.php/news/62/9643

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/unsafe-alcohol-kills-4-in-abstemious-norway/243379.html?ask_mobile=Y

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1991-12-22/news/1991356016_1_vinmonopolet-alcohol-christian-democrats

ush · 12-01-2014 10:11pm

long range shooter wrote: »

Well the Scandinavian countries have the lowest consumption already,but that doesn't leave the fact that the restrictions have led to more smuggling and moonshine.Hereby the restrictions is a failure.

They don't have the lowest consumption already but thanks to taxation and access policies.

Smuggling and moonshine are going to happen regardless. Unrecorded alcohol is going to exist in any kind of regulated market.

There you have to examine the agendas of those critisicing. Free market liberals with ideological concerns or maybe even companies, who stand to make fortunes if the markets are changed.

Lady Chuckles · 13-01-2014 12:00am

TireeTerror wrote: »

There are of course beautiful looking people in Ireland, but in general if you were to stand in any city or town centre for 1 hour and take the average, the Irish are absolutely rotten looking in comparison to your average Norwegian. I remember I was over in Estonia for a while and I met a girl there who had lived in Ireland for about 5 years, when I asked her what she thought of Ireland, her lasting memory was that she couldnt believe how ugly a race it was! I thought this was ridiculous, however I was in McDonalds asking someone for directions and even in there, the people were slim and generally stunning. Of course thats Estonia, but you get the jest. Also they dont tend to stagger about the streets in a state at night, fighting and being sick everywhere.

Also you have posted 1 picture of a little rocky bit of Ireland, but its really just nothing at all in comparison to Norway. In fact even Scotland has vastly more stunning and more rugged natural scenery than ireland.

If I had to sum up what amazed me about life in Norway, I would say that the biggest difference was how conscientious people are of others and their feelings.

Do you want me to post more stunning Irish sights? Wicklow mountains, Clon mac noise, Heuston station, boora parklands, skellig Michael, croagh Patrick, deer watching in Phoenix park, giant's causeway....
Like I said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder ... You don't strike me as a fan of Ireland in general - and that whole thing about ugly race is outrageous, so I'm not going to encourage further debate. It's absurd.

Satriale wrote: »

The last time i tried to look at that view someone was trying to charge me for the pleasure.
Ireland, you cant beat it...

It's still there though.

Am I the only one thinking this thread is totally gone off topic?

:p

cwynnes · 13-01-2014 12:29am

TireeTerror wrote: »

There are of course beautiful looking people in Ireland, but in general if you were to stand in any city or town centre for 1 hour and take the average, the Irish are absolutely rotten looking in comparison to your average Norwegian. I remember I was over in Estonia for a while and I met a girl there who had lived in Ireland for about 5 years, when I asked her what she thought of Ireland, her lasting memory was that she couldnt believe how ugly a race it was! I thought this was ridiculous, however I was in McDonalds asking someone for directions and even in there, the people were slim and generally stunning. Of course thats Estonia, but you get the jest. Also they dont tend to stagger about the streets in a state at night, fighting and being sick everywhere.

Also you have posted 1 picture of a little rocky bit of Ireland, but its really just nothing at all in comparison to Norway. In fact even Scotland has vastly more stunning and more rugged natural scenery than ireland.

If I had to sum up what amazed me about life in Norway, I would say that the biggest difference was how conscientious people are of others and their feelings.

I have to say, speaking as an Irish person I must to disagree with you, specifically on the ugly irish people lark, not minding the rest because you are full of crap, but that's ok...

Take me for example, I am EXTREMELY good looking, I mean seriously seriously good looking, sometimes I look in the mirror and go... WOW, you are soooo good looking it crazy.

You know, once I was in Estonia in Burger King as it happens and looking around me I couldn't help but think the same as you, they were quite good looking but the only issue is they just didn't have a patch on me... Not a thing... I was definitely the best looking person in the room... And the country may I add.

Just like the Norwegians I am also conscientious and care about other peoples feelings, I am also DEFINITELY not self centred... Not even in the slightest and the reason I know that is because I've consulted me on this and I'm never wrong...

Norway is great, just like me.

Lady Chuckles · 13-01-2014 12:33am

lol

TireeTerror · 13-01-2014 1:51am

cwynnes wrote: »

I have to say, speaking as an Irish person I must to disagree with you, specifically on the ugly irish people lark, not minding the rest because you are full of crap, but that's ok...

Take me for example, I am EXTREMELY good looking, I mean seriously seriously good looking, sometimes I look in the mirror and go... WOW, you are soooo good looking it crazy.

You know, once I was in Estonia in Burger King as it happens and looking around me I couldn't help but think the same as you, they were quite good looking but the only issue is they just didn't have a patch on me... Not a thing... I was definitely the best looking person in the room... And the country may I add.

Just like the Norwegians I am also conscientious and care about other peoples feelings, I am also DEFINITELY not self centred... Not even in the slightest and the reason I know that is because I've consulted me on this and I'm never wrong...

Norway is great, just like me.

There are hospitals for psychosis!

cwynnes · 13-01-2014 8:32am

TireeTerror wrote: »

There are hospitals for psychosis!

There are indeed yes, so at least you have a place to go!!

long range shooter · 13-01-2014 9:22am

ush wrote: »

They don't have the lowest consumption already but thanks to taxation and access policies.

Smuggling and moonshine are going to happen regardless. Unrecorded alcohol is going to exist in any kind of regulated market.

There you have to examine the agendas of those critisicing. Free market liberals with ideological concerns or maybe even companies, who stand to make fortunes if the markets are changed.

No,no and no,you obviusly need to be spoonfed the facts.
If you raise the tax on alcohol,people will find other cheaper sources of alcohol,its that simple.This is moonshine,smuggling etc.
So the taxation is a failure.The only thing that might have an impact,is the vinemonopoly,that limits the access to alcohol.
But if you make moonshine you wouldnt have that worry either.
And white spirit and red spirit filtered trough a bread is still popular amongst alcoholics.;)Its cheaper.

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/issues/a/blacer060107.htm

http://www.thelocal.se/20050628/1674

long range shooter · 13-01-2014 9:25am

ush wrote: »

Both Oslo and Dublin are awash with heroin. Central Oslo is like a zombie film.

yes thats true,and the goverments turns the blind eye to it every time.

Tabnabs · 13-01-2014 10:15am

[mod] folks, if you can't take part in healthy debate and instead resort to attacking the poster and personalising it, your time here will be cut short [/mod]

TireeTerror · 13-01-2014 4:40pm

cwynnes wrote: »

I have to say, speaking as an Irish person I must to disagree with you, specifically on the ugly irish people lark, not minding the rest because you are full of crap, but that's ok...

Take me for example, I am EXTREMELY good looking, I mean seriously seriously good looking, sometimes I look in the mirror and go... WOW, you are soooo good looking it crazy.

You know, once I was in Estonia in Burger King as it happens and looking around me I couldn't help but think the same as you, they were quite good looking but the only issue is they just didn't have a patch on me... Not a thing... I was definitely the best looking person in the room... And the country may I add.

Just like the Norwegians I am also conscientious and care about other peoples feelings, I am also DEFINITELY not self centred... Not even in the slightest and the reason I know that is because I've consulted me on this and I'm never wrong...

Norway is great, just like me.

Maybe you are beautiful, maybe you are not, but seeing as you made up at least part of this story, I guess we can figure out the rest.

What has been your downfall I hear you ask....Burger King and the fact there are no Burger King's there. You will find Hes Burger, but that is from Finland across the water!

ush · 13-01-2014 5:31pm

long range shooter wrote: »

No,no and no,you obviusly need to be spoonfed the facts.
If you raise the tax on alcohol,people will find other cheaper sources of alcohol,its that simple.

There's a difference between fact and opinion. Swedes and Norwegians drink less than comparable nations. Which is the point of the policy.

long range shooter wrote: »

This is moonshine,smuggling etc.
So the taxation is a failure.The only thing that might have an impact,is the vinemonopoly,that limits the access to alcohol.
But if you make moonshine you wouldnt have that worry either.
And white spirit and red spirit filtered trough a bread is still popular amongst alcoholics.;)Its cheaper.

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/issues/a/blacer060107.htm

http://www.thelocal.se/20050628/1674

Just because there are chronic alcoholics, smugglers and bootleggers doesn't make the policy a failure. That'll always be there to some extent. And do you honestly think chronic alcohol consumption would decrease with a more liberal approach? Consumption would increase as would the damage caused.

Figures will show other other countries have illegal markets for alcohol too. Alcohol can always be imported cheaper from somewhere else. It can be produced and sold illegally too. But the damage it causes remains. But that damage is reduced due to less drinking overall.

Swedes and Norwegians drink less than say Brits or Danes. The policies work.

long range shooter · 13-01-2014 8:01pm

ush wrote: »

There's a difference between fact and opinion. Swedes and Norwegians drink less than comparable nations. Which is the point of the policy.

Just because there are chronic alcoholics, smugglers and bootleggers doesn't make the policy a failure. That'll always be there to some extent. And do you honestly think chronic alcohol consumption would decrease with a more liberal approach? Consumption would increase as would the damage caused.

Figures will show other other countries have illegal markets for alcohol too. Alcohol can always be imported cheaper from somewhere else. It can be produced and sold illegally too. But the damage it causes remains. But that damage is reduced due to less drinking overall.

Swedes and Norwegians drink less than say Brits or Danes. The policies work.

It's a failure in Norway,because the prices are higher in the neighboring countries Sweden and Denmark.Because of this you will have more smuggling across the borders,and more illegal homemade moonshine.

According to this from SIRIUS ,scientific research of alcohol consumption shows that the figures are actually only 46 % of what it actually is.
And that the unregistered sale of alcohol,moonshine and smuggled spirits
Is much higher than than the registered sale,that's only 31% of the total.

http://www.fmr.no/hvordan-er-alkoholmarkedet-sammensatt.4461001-99550.html
http://news.cision.com/no/hansa-borg-bryggerier-as/r/ny-undersokelse--hoye-alkoholavgifter-gir-okt-olsmugling,c200338
http://touch.f-b.no/nyheter/alkoholrekord-pa-svenskegrensa-1.7580657

ush · 13-01-2014 8:49pm

long range shooter wrote: »

It's a failure in Norway,because the prices are higher in the neighboring countries Sweden and Denmark.Because of this you will have more smuggling across the borders,and more illegal homemade moonshine.

According to this from SIRIUS ,scientific research of alcohol consumption shows that the figures are actually only 46 % of what it actually is.
And that the unregistered sale of alcohol,moonshine and smuggled spirits
Is much higher than than the registered sale,that's only 31% of the total.

But we've been through this. All countries have a unregistered alcohol market. Even when taken into account black market alcohol, Swedes and Norwegians drink less than comparable European nations.

Smuggled alcohol will always exist even without a state monopoly or high taxes. Alcoholics will always buy illegally distilled alcohol. Underage drinkers will buy from illegal sellers. Those problems will exist regardless and exist in countries with more liberal approaches. That doesn't make the policy a failure, especially when it goal of reducing overall alcohol consumption is achieved.

Norway will always be more expensive because of exchange rates. So smuggling will always exist.

long range shooter · 13-01-2014 9:07pm

ush wrote: »

But we've been through this. All countries have a unregistered alcohol market. Even when taken into account black market alcohol, Swedes and Norwegians drink less than comparable European nations.

Smuggled alcohol will always exist even without a state monopoly or high taxes. Alcoholics will always buy illegally distilled alcohol. Underage drinkers will buy from illegal sellers. Those problems will exist regardless and exist in countries with more liberal approaches. That doesn't make the policy a failure, especially when it goal of reducing overall alcohol consumption is achieved.

Norway will always be more expensive because of exchange rates. So smuggling will always exist.

Whats the point of having a tax on alkohol When it leads to more crossover border shopping,smugling and production of moonshine??
The point of the tax is to keep the consumption of alcohol to a reasonable level,but when people makes ilegal alcohol smuggle and goes to Sweden and Denamark to get cheaper alcohol,the hole point is gone.
That's why it's a failure.
If they had dropped the tax,the consumers would have bought the alcohol in Norway instead,and I don't think the consumption would have skyrocketed,cause you still have to buy it in the vine monopoly .

ush · 13-01-2014 9:54pm

long range shooter wrote: »

Whats the point of having a tax on alkohol When it leads to more crossover border shopping,smugling and production of moonshine??
The point of the tax is to keep the consumption of alcohol to a reasonable level,but when people makes ilegal alcohol smuggle and goes to Sweden and Denamark to get cheaper alcohol,the hole point is gone.
That's why it's a failure.
If they had dropped the tax,the consumers would have bought the alcohol in Norway instead,and I don't think the consumption would have skyrocketed,cause you still have to buy it in the vine monopoly .

Consumption would increase. It would be cheaper to buy. People would buy more. People would drink more. You only have to compare to other European countries. The bill for policing and health services increases. Which is the point of having high taxes and controls on access.

All comparable countries have cross border smuggling of alcohol. Norway is expensive to begin with. So smuggling would exist anyway. I think you're overstating the case of moonshine though. Smuggling has taken its place.

25 Reasons Norway Is The Greatest Place On Earth

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