Скачать или смотреть When Iceland's Beer Ban Was Lifted

Imagine living in a country where beer is illegal for over seven decades! That's exactly what happened in Iceland. The story begins in 1915 when Iceland instituted a total prohibition on all alcoholic beverages. However, by 1922, public sentiment shifted, leading to the lifting of the ban on wine. And by 1935, spirits were also legalized. But beer, specifically those with an alcohol content above 2.25%, remained banned. This unusual partial prohibition stemmed from a fear that beer would lead to rampant alcoholism due to its affordability and accessibility. For years, Icelanders who craved a pint had to rely on smuggling or traveling abroad. Despite growing pressure to lift the ban, it wasn't until March 1, 1989, that the prohibition was finally repealed. The day is now celebrated annually as 'Beer Day' in Iceland. The movement to lift the ban gained momentum in the 1980s, driven by changing attitudes towards alcohol consumption and increasing influence from neighboring countries. When the ban was finally lifted, it marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new cultural shift in Iceland. Today, the nation enjoys a thriving craft beer industry, a testament to its evolving relationship with the beloved beverage.