Iceland’s Government Monopolizes All Alcohol Sales

In Iceland, you cannot buy alcohol at a grocery store or supermarket. The government owns the only legal retail chain in the country, and every drop of wine, beer, or spirits must be purchased there.

This unique state-run system, known locally as the Rikið, operates 51 shops across the nation to control public health and distribution. Because the government holds a complete monopoly, these stores have very specific opening hours and locations. You will find that even the smallest towns have to rely on these official outlets for their supplies. It is a fascinating example of how a country uses state control to manage the availability of adult beverages.