Norway's Pub-Watching Dilemma: Late-Night World Cup Matches and Alcohol Rules

Norway's Prime Minister pledges to alter strict alcohol laws to allow fans to enjoy late-night World Cup matches at pubs. Current regulations would halt alcohol service before matches end. Efforts to adjust rules before Norway's World Cup debut next summer prioritize fan enjoyment and pub revenue amidst midnight match times.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere has underscored his commitment to ensuring that fans can enjoy a drink while watching the national team's World Cup matches in pubs. Currently, the strict laws in Norway dictate that alcohol service in pubs would need to cease prior to the conclusion of these late-night matches.

Norway's campaign kicks off against a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the U.S., with subsequent games against Senegal and France scheduled for midnight local time. Stoere reassures fans and pub owners alike that measures, possibly involving rule amendments, will be taken to resolve this issue before the world event.

The move follows a strong cultural tradition where Norwegian fans gather to watch football games in social settings like pubs. The Prime Minister assured that these traditions will be preserved, promising solutions ahead of Norway's first World Cup appearance in 28 years.

(With inputs from agencies.)