Statistics on alcohol sales, Q2 2003

The consumption of beer in Norway the first six months 2003 decreased 7.6 per cent compared with the same period last year. The registered consumption of spirits increased by 10.8 per cent and the consumption of wine rose by 4.0 per cent in the same period. The total consumption of spirits in Norway was 10.3 million litres the first six months this year.

2.82 litres of alcohol per capita

Each inhabitant older than 14 years consumed 2.82 litres of alcohol in the first half of 2003, an increase of 0.06 litres of alcohol or 2.2 per cent from the same period in 2002.

The figures are calculated on the basis of the monthly questionnaires that each business sends to the Directorarate of Customs and Excise (TAD) and registered imports. The figures do not include Norwegian private citizens' purchase of alcohol abroad.

Tables:

• Table 1 Consumption of spirits, wine and beer. 1 000 litres
• Table 2 Consumption of spirits, wine and beer per capita 15 years and over. Litres