Here in Norway alcohol is really expensive and can only be bought in one place. Vinmonopolet is owned by the government and sells all alcohol over 4.75% (beer and cider can be bought at the Supermarket-at a price!) You cannot buy alcohol and wine anywhere else! I would never buy spirits here as we make enough trips back to England and stock up each time but I do love to compare prices when we are in there (usually only buying wine) A bottle of Bombay Sapphire Gin (which we just bought in England for £13) was a staggering 446Kr (about £48) The Government claim that the high costs are to limit the amount of alcohol consumed here but from what I've seen Norwegians love to drink and do not let the high prices deter them (also they earn a lot more money so it's all relative) So, it's a win-win situation for the government! Ker-ching!
p.s Personally I'm not a big drinker so I'm not too bothered about the high prices, but if the Government do the same to chocolate......then there will be trouble!