Framsókn Party MP Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson has called for police to immediately halt online alcohol sales in Iceland, arguing that businesses found to be operating illegally should not be allowed to continue trading while lawmakers debate the future of alcohol retail.
His comments follow an April ruling by the Reykjanes District Court that found the business model of online retailer Smáríkið amounted to retail alcohol sales, infringing on ÁTVR’s legal monopoly on alcohol retailing.
What’s the Story?
Original source: Vísir
- Sigurður Ingi says police should shut down online alcohol retailers immediately.
- His comments follow a court ruling against online retailer Smáríkið.
- He argues any change to Iceland’s alcohol monopoly should come through parliament.
Calls for government clarity
Around 20 companies now sell alcohol online to individuals in Iceland, a market that has expanded rapidly since 2020.
Sigurður Ingi said he was puzzled that, despite the court ruling, online alcohol businesses appeared to be growing rather than facing enforcement action.
“What I don’t understand now, after a judgment has been delivered, is why this activity is actually expanding instead of the police stepping in and stopping it,” he said, criticising the government for what he described as an unclear message to law enforcement.
His remarks come after Assistant Chief of Police Hildur Sunna Pálmadóttir said last week that the Capital Area Police were considering how to respond to the ruling, noting that the case is complex and raises questions about lawmakers’ intentions.
Sigurður Ingi said the government should clearly state that existing laws must be enforced until parliament decides otherwise.
“We expect to live in a country where the law is followed and the police enforce it,” he said. “If we want to change how alcohol is sold, that’s a matter for the legislature and for politics—not for allowing someone to simply ignore the rules.”
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