|
"Hjemme-brenning" – commonly known as "HB"
...our national hobby
Illicit distillery has long traditions in Norway. Most private production of hooch came to an end in 1848, when a an act regulating production was passed and taxes on items necessary rose sky high. According to the prohibition law of 1964, distilling can only be done by permission of the King. This law was followed up by an additional one in 1989, that criminalized keeping of home distilled spirits as well. Only The State wine and liquor monopoly were allowed to import beverages with more than 2,5 % alcohol, but this was lifted 01.01.96, as a consequence of Norway joining the European Free Trade Association.
Frequent surveys shows that our "national hobby" is widespread, and that the amount of production is constantly rising – today production is more than 5 mill. liters' (175 mill. fl oz) per year. Most Norwegians doesn't look at illicit distilling as a serious crime, even though it can be punished with up to 6 years in prison – depending on the quantity. In many parts of the country, it hooch is regarded as culture, and lot's of Norwegians claim that they prefer hooch to ordinary spirits.
|
