On this day March 1 1989 Iceland officially ended its 74 year ban on beer allowing full strength beer to be legally sold for the first time since 1915. This historic event became so significant that March 1 is now celebrated annually as Beer Day in Iceland.
The prohibition on beer began in 1915 as part of a nationwide alcohol ban. Over time restrictions were gradually lifted on other alcoholic beverages but beer remained illegal due to concerns that it would lead to increased alcohol consumption. The law finally changed after growing public demand and pressure from tourism and trade interests.
The lifting of the ban led to an explosion in Iceland’s beer culture. Today the country has a thriving craft beer industry with numerous breweries producing a wide variety of locally made beers. Beer Day is celebrated across the country with locals and tourists gathering in bars and pubs to enjoy what had been banned for decades.
80s insight: During the beer ban Icelanders would sometimes mix spirits with non alcoholic beer to create a stronger drink known as beer substitute.
The prohibition on beer began in 1915 as part of a nationwide alcohol ban. Over time restrictions were gradually lifted on other alcoholic beverages but beer remained illegal due to concerns that it would lead to increased alcohol consumption. The law finally changed after growing public demand and pressure from tourism and trade interests.
The lifting of the ban led to an explosion in Iceland’s beer culture. Today the country has a thriving craft beer industry with numerous breweries producing a wide variety of locally made beers. Beer Day is celebrated across the country with locals and tourists gathering in bars and pubs to enjoy what had been banned for decades.
80s insight: During the beer ban Icelanders would sometimes mix spirits with non alcoholic beer to create a stronger drink known as beer substitute.
