Greenland has a difficult relationship with alcohol. Thirty years ago, Greenlanders drank more than twice as much alcohol as Danes, resulting in the typical social problems with alcohol abuse. To combat this, higher excises were brought in from the early 90s. Periodically, restrictions have included rationing and reduction in limits of duty free alcohol (at one point there was a total ban). Many years ago, the Premier at that time introduced an alcohol ban to government buildings, still in force today, in part to prevent himself (an alcoholic) from drinking at work. Since last year, there has been a marketing ban, restricted availability – with no alcohol sales in the evenings or on the weekend after 2pm Saturday – and even restrictions on visibility, with alcohol hidden behind closed doors or curtains. These restrictions have reduced alcohol consumption. But no doubt one of the main factors limiting alcohol consumption is the price. Alcohol is extremely expensive in Greenland.
Nonetheless, there are still problems, particularly with binge-drinking, as is evident on the streets of Nuuk on any given Friday or Saturday night, particularly after pay-day. So when the Government introduced social distancing in response to the coronavirus outbreak in Nuuk – closing restaurants and bars, and limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer – drinking moved indoors. Like other countries, Greenland saw a rise in reports of domestic violence. The police noted a number of instances of rowdy parties of more than 10 drinking at home. So on March 28, with immediate effect, the Premier announced a total ban on alcohol sales, primarily to ensure a safer environment for children in their homes.
A couple of quiet weeks followed.
Then came Wednesday last week, when alcohol sales were opened up once again. The police put on extra staff in anticipation, which was wise. By 10am that day – opening time for alcohol sales – crowds of people were gathered at supermarkets, standing in closely packed queues to make their purchases. In the following 24 hours, the police reported 60 incidents of violence, vandalism, and general disorder, of which 47 involved alcohol. Windows were smashed and a policeman was stabbed in the arm.
Nuuk is getting back to normal, I guess.
