Why Buying Alcohol in Egypt is a Piece of Cake, but Norway Makes It Tougher than Breaking into Fort Knox

Have you ever thought about how different countries have varied rules and regulations when it comes to buying alcohol? If you haven’t, well, you will now discover that it’s easier to buy alcohol in Egypt than in Norway. In Egypt, everything is ordered online, and delivered right to your door 24/7, 365 days a year. Meanwhile, in Norway, they have Vinmonopolet, which makes buying alcohol feel like solving a Rubik’s cube while riding a unicycle. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Egyptian and Norwegian alcohol regulations and find out why buying booze is a breeze in one country and a Herculean task in the other.

A Land of Pharaohs and Online Booze Delivery

Egypt, the cradle of civilization, home to ancient pyramids and the mighty Nile, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of easy access to alcohol. But surprise, surprise, Egypt has come a long way and embraced the convenience of online shopping. I mean, who wouldn’t love to have their favorite drink delivered right to their doorstep, just like ordering pizza?

The Online Liquor Store Phenomenon

In Egypt, numerous online liquor stores have popped up, catering to the thirsty masses. These stores offer a wide range of alcoholic beverages, from your run-of-the-mill beers to exotic wines and top-shelf spirits. All you have to do is whip out your smartphone or laptop, place an order, and voila! Your booze will be at your door faster than you can say “Cheers!”

Convenience, Thy Name Is Egypt

Besides the obvious convenience factor, Egyptian online liquor stores also offer a level of discretion that many customers appreciate. Let’s be honest; not everyone wants to broadcast their drinking habits to the world. These online stores allow customers to shop for their favorite drinks without fear of judgment or scrutiny.

Norway: A Beautiful Country with a Not-So-Beautiful Alcohol Policy

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Norway, a breathtaking country known for its stunning fjords, colorful fishing villages, and… its strict alcohol policies. If you’re looking to buy alcohol in Norway, you’d better brace yourself for a wild ride.

Vinmonopolet: The Alcoholic Gatekeeper

In Norway, the government has a monopoly on the sale of wine, spirits, and strong beer through a chain of retail stores called Vinmonopolet. These stores are the only places you can buy beverages with an alcohol content above 4.75%. And let me tell you, navigating the world of Vinmonopolet is like trying to find your way through a maze blindfolded.

First, there are the limited hours. Vinmonopolet stores are only open for specific hours during the week, and they’re closed on Sundays. So if you’re craving a glass of wine after a long day at work, you’d better hope you stocked up during the weekend.

Next, there’s the price. Alcohol in Norway is heavily taxed, making it one of the most expensive places in the world to buy a drink. If you thought the cost of a night out in New York City was steep, just wait until you see the prices in Oslo!

The Age Factor

To make matters even more complicated, Norway has different age restrictions for purchasing alcohol. If you’re 18 or older, you can buy beer and wine with an alcohol content of up to 22%. But if you want to buy anything stronger, you’ll have to wait until you’re 20. Talk about a buzzkill!

Why the Stark Contrast Between Egypt and Norway?

You may be wondering why there’s such a vast difference in alcohol policies between Egypt and Norway. Well, it all boils down to their cultural, religious, and political backgrounds.

Egypt: A Tale of Tolerance and Adaptation

Although Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, it has a long history of religious and cultural diversity. The Egyptian government and society are generally more lenient when it comes to alcohol consumption. As a result, Egypt has adapted to the modern era by embracing the convenience of online shopping and allowing alcohol to be easily purchased and delivered.

Norway: A Focus on Public Health and Welfare

Meanwhile, Norway’s strict alcohol policies are a result of the government’s focus on public health and welfare. The Norwegian government believes that by controlling the sale and distribution of alcohol, they can reduce alcohol-related problems and promote a healthier lifestyle among its citizens.

Norway also has a history of state control over various aspects of daily life, which explains the government’s monopoly on alcohol sales. By limiting access to alcohol and imposing high taxes, the government aims to discourage excessive drinking and minimize the negative consequences associated with alcohol abuse.

In Conclusion

In the great booze race, Egypt takes the crown for convenience and accessibility, while Norway takes a more cautious approach to protect the well-being of its citizens. Depending on your perspective, you might find one country’s alcohol policies more appealing than the other.

It’s fascinating to see how cultural, religious, and political factors can shape a country’s approach to something as universal as alcohol consumption. But as they say, variety is the spice of life – and that certainly applies to the diverse ways different countries handle the sale and distribution of alcohol.

FAQs