The existing alcohol policy has reduced consumption and resulted in less alcohol related illness in Norway than in other countries. To liberalize alcohol rules would be irresponsible, concludes Høyre's public health policy committee.
Previously, the Conservatives have been in favour of allowing the sale of wine in super markets, lower taxes on alcohol and longer opening hours. At present only beer may be sold in local shops. Wines and spirits are only available in government owned stores run by the state monopoly Vinmonopolet.
"The change of policy is the result of well-documented research which shows that alcohol-related illness increases with availability," says Høyre spokesman, Inge Lønning.
"This doesn't mean that we want to become more restrictive. In general, we think that the way things are at the moment represents the best solution," says Lønning to daily newspaper Aftenposten.
Next year's party congress will decide whether to adopt the committees' suggestion.
