Denmark: Organizations propose stricter alcohol rules for youth

Several organizations and a sociology professor are calling for stricter alcohol regulations in Denmark, specifically proposing a total ban on the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. This proposal follows observations from Greenland, where a ban on alcohol sales in South Greenland Municipality led to a significant decrease in crime, including domestic disturbances, violence, and sexual offenses.

Jakob Demant, a professor of sociology at the University of Copenhagen, noted that while a total ban might be unrealistic for Denmark, restricting access could impact crime rates. The advocacy group Alkohol and Samfund supports the ban on sales to minors, citing research that links increased consumption to higher rates of accidents and violence. A June 2026 report indicated that 7.7 percent of respondents had experienced violence resulting from another person's alcohol use.