How booze bans made Europe drink differently

Alcohol restrictions across Europe often changed drinking habits rather than stopping people drinking, as consumers found ways around bans and governments eventually relaxed them. The measures helped shape traditions including weekend-focused drinking in Finland, Nordic trips abroad for cheaper alcohol and Iceland’s annual Beer Day.

Finland’s prohibition lasted from 1919 to 1932, and 70% voted to restore alcohol in a 1931 referendum; state retailer Alko followed. Sweden introduced spirits rationing in 1917 and still sells alcohol through the Systembolaget monopoly, while Norway restored spirits in 1927 after pressure linked to fish exports. Iceland permitted Spanish wine in 1922, lifted its spirits ban in 1935 and ended its restriction on beer stronger than 2.25% on 1 March 1989. In Russia, bans and restrictions prompted home-distilled samogon and resentment; the article also says Soviet anti-alcohol policies damaged vineyards in Crimea, Moldova and Georgia.