Health organizations urge government action against illegal online alcohol sales in Iceland

29.08.2024 - Fifteen organizations in Iceland, including FRÆ (Education and Prevention), IOGT Iceland and various health professional associations, have issued a call to action to the government, urging immediate intervention regarding the online sale of alcohol. In a statement sent to Members of Parliament, ministers, and the media on August 26, 2024, the organizations support the Minister of Health's concern about the current threat to public health posed by the alleged illegal online sale of alcohol, as mentioned in the Minister's official letter on June 5th. The coalition emphasizes the importance of adhering to existing laws governing the retail sale of alcohol and tobacco, which are designed to promote public health, social responsibility, and protect young people from harmful substances. They also reference Iceland's public health policy, which aims for the country to be among the leading nations in public health efforts, and call on the authorities to uphold this policy without deviation.

The following is the full text of the letter sent by the coalition of health organizations to Members of Parliament, ministers, and the media.

"A coalition of health professionals, prevention organizations, and others calls on authorities to address the current public health threat posed by the significant increase in online alcohol sales.

The Icelandic Nurses' Association, the Public Health Association of Iceland, the Icelandic Association of Physiotherapists, the Icelandic Midwives' Association, the Icelandic Medical Association, the Icelandic Psychological Association, the Icelandic Association of Hospital Workers, the Icelandic Association of Social Workers, the Icelandic Association of Pharmacists, the Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors, SÁÁ (National Center of Addiction Medicine), Education and Prevention - an association of prevention and health promotion advocates, the Parents' Association against Alcohol Advertising, IOGT Iceland, and SAFF (Cooperation of NGOs in Prevention), support the Minister of Health's statement about the current threat to fundamental public health goals due to the alleged illegal online sale of alcohol, as stated in an official letter from the Minister on June 5th.

In light of the plans by the well-established Icelandic retail chain Hagkaup to begin selling alcohol to consumers in the coming days, the organizations urge the authorities to promptly clarify whether such sales are legal. Authorities cannot remain passive in the face of the public health threat currently posed by the significant increase in online alcohol sales in Iceland.

According to the public health policy approved by the Icelandic Parliament (Althingi) for the period up to 2030, Iceland aims to be among the leading nations in public health efforts, based on the best scientific knowledge and experience. The government is expected to prioritize public health in all planning and policy-making. The Alcohol and Tobacco Trade Act stipulates the operation of the State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR) and states that the purpose of the law is to define the framework for the retail sale of alcohol and wholesale of tobacco, which is based on improved public health and social responsibility. It aims to limit and control access to alcohol and tobacco, thereby reducing the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco consumption, and to protect young people from alcohol and tobacco use and restrict the availability of undesirable products.

The organizations call on the authorities to strictly adhere to the approved public health policy up to 2030 and the objectives of the current laws regarding ÁTVR's monopoly on alcohol sales."