The alcohol ban in Iceland took effect in 1915. Full-strength beer stayed banned until 1989.
Why Iceland banned beer
Iceland held its first national referendum on banning alcohol imports and sales.
During the independence struggle, Icelanders associated beer with Danish lifestyles.
Wine and later spirits became legal again, but beer stronger than 2.25 percent alcohol stayed banned.
Living with the ban
Businessman David Scheving Thorsteinsson challenged the rule that let only pilots, cabin crew and foreign tourists bring in duty-free beer.
Buying a duty-free crate of beer on landing became a kind of civic duty for Icelanders.
The end of the ban
Iceland's parliament, the Althing, voted to legalise beer in 1988 after debates televised live. Full-strength beer went on sale on 1 March 1989.
Seven kinds of beer were sold on the first Beer Day.
Beer Day today
Every year on 1 March, Iceland marks the end of the beer ban as Bjordagur, Beer Day. Beer Day is much quieter now than the scenes of the first day, and is not the festive blowout visitors often expect.
Beer, wine and spirits are sold in Iceland only at the state-run Vinbudin stores.
Beer no stronger than 2.25 percent is still the only alcohol sold in regular food shops.
The history and the breweries are covered in the Icelandic beer guide.
Buying beer in Iceland
Where and when to buy alcohol is covered in the guide to buying alcohol in Iceland.
Plan the trip
Use the Driving Distance Calculator to help plan your trip.
Beer and food tours in Reykjavik
You can compare Reykjavik tours, including beer and food tasting tours, to see the current options.
