Norwegian politicians back making 24-hour alcohol service permanent

24-hour serving of alcohol has made the Norwegian capital more vibrant, believes Haakon Riekeles, the social-liberal Left group leader in Oslo.

I think Oslo should have a nightlife in line with other European cities, and that means serving all night long, he tells NRK.

Høyre, Norway's equivalent of the Moderates, partly agrees. However, it wants the expanded permits to apply only during major championships that are broadcast at night.

The Christian Democratic Party (KRF), the Socialist Left Party (SV) and the left-wing party Rødt are against it. The fact that the World Cup was a success is due to Norway's football masters - not to "free-flowing alcohol until 6 a.m.," says SV's Lars Haltbrekken to NRK.