A new survey shows that 42.1% of Danes chose to abstain from alcohol for a period during the past year, up from 34.6% in 2024. Health, better sleep and more energy were key reasons. Blue Cross Denmark sees this as a sign that more people are reflecting on their drinking habits, not necessarily quitting completely, but drinking more consciously. The organisation hopes this trend will support a healthier alcohol culture in Denmark.

From 1 August 2025, Latvia will enforce new restrictions on alcohol sales and marketing, limiting retail hours, banning price promotions, and requiring health warnings on packaging. The move comes in response to the country’s high alcohol consumption, among the highest in the EU and OECD, and aims to reduce alcohol-related harm. The law was passed after two years of debate and will be reviewed in October based on early health and retail impact data.

A new European study shows that Danish ninth-grade students continue to lead in alcohol consumption, drinking more and starting earlier than their peers in other countries. Nearly 70 percent have consumed alcohol in the past month, and over half have engaged in binge drinking. While there is a slight decline in youth alcohol use, Denmark’s levels remain the highest in Europe, according to the ESPAD survey.

Risky drinking among young men in Sweden has halved in 20 years, while it’s rising among those over 45—especially older women.

KKV warns that expanding wine sales to grocery stores could raise alcohol consumption, with social costs exceeding tax revenue gains.

Alcohol consumption in Sweden fell by 2.3% in 2024, driven by reduced online and smuggled alcohol purchases, according to CAN.

14% of Norwegian employees report reduced work efficiency due to alcohol. Managers are most affected, with 24% admitting lower productivity.

3 out of 4 Danes believe alcohol consumption is too high, with strong support for banning alcohol marketing on social media and in sports.

The Nordic alcohol monopolies have reduced alcohol consumption and harm in Nordic countries, serving as a model for other EU countries.

1 in 5 men in Norway admit to driving under the influence. Every day, 30 are caught—but many more go undetected. #RoadSafety

Health orgs in Iceland urge state to prevent private alcohol sales, citing billions in savings and public health benefits.

Only 1 in 5 Danes knows even small amounts of alcohol increase cancer risk. Awareness is key to making informed choices about drinking.

EU rejects Finland's alcohol home delivery law, citing EU law violations. Government to revise by January, reports YLE.fi.

New Danish laws strengthen penalties and regulations on alcohol, nicotine, and tobacco sales, focusing on protecting youth.

Estonia's draft *Alcohol use reduction directions 2025–2035* aims to cut alcohol harm through price hikes, availability limits, and awarenes

Alcohol consumption in Sweden has dropped 10% in a decade, with Systembolaget's share rising and cross-border purchases declining.

Although the total consumption of alcohol in Finland has decreased from 2008, risky drinking is still common.

Seven in ten young people encounter alcohol content weekly on social media, normalizing drinking and influencing their perceptions of alcoho

Finns fear alcohol home delivery will strain child welfare services, with 75% lacking trust in effective age limit enforcement.

Majority of Danes believe draft beer should be banned for individuals under 18 at high school parties.