Reykjavík changes rules for alcohol service at sporting events
The City Executive Council approved a steering group's recommendations to change procedural rules for restaurants and lodging establishments at this morning's meeting. The changes include allowing alcohol service at sporting events under certain conditions.
The rule changes aim to clarify responsibilities and procedures in the City's administration and ensure residents and operators have a clear and accessible process to address concerns about noise, operating hours, and use of municipal land.
The changes are as follows:
- 1. In Article 3, the sentence stating that the City Executive Council can limit restaurant operating hours will be removed, since such decisions rest with planning authorities and the public health authority. Additionally, a sentence will be added stating that residents can contact Reykjavík's public health authority, which handles environmental oversight, including noise from restaurants and entertainment venues.
- 2. Article 4 further clarifies that the hour allotted for vacating restaurants is time for guests to leave the establishment, not additional operating time.
- 3. Article 9, which prohibits strip clubs, will be removed since such activities are already banned under Article 4 of Act 85/2007.
- 4. A sentence will be added to Article 8 stating that for outdoor dining areas on municipal land, a usage agreement must accompany the business license application.
- 5. Article 11 will be amended to state that alcohol service at sporting events is permitted under certain conditions, rather than prohibited.
Regarding the change to Article 11, the steering group's official statement says the proposal reflects how practices have evolved in recent years.
The group's explanatory report also states:
In recent years, the City Executive Council has agreed to authorize alcohol service at individual sporting events, granting exceptions to the current ban. Some sports clubs also have permanent business licenses for banquet halls that have been used to sell alcohol at sporting events. This has led to inconsistency and unfairness regarding concessions among sports clubs at sporting events.
The change aims to create clear, fair, and transparent regulations that ensure a proportional approach. The change is also intended to ensure a responsible, clear, and well-defined framework for alcohol sales at sporting events, protecting children and young people in line with the City's prevention strategy.
Business license
Sports clubs without a business license will be required to apply for one for a Category 2 restaurant (limited alcohol service establishments). Applications must be submitted to the District Commissioner of Greater Reykjavík.
When business license applications for restaurants and lodging establishments are received from the District Commissioner of Greater Reykjavík, they are processed by Reykjavík City, which serves as the statutory review body for restaurants, lodging establishments, and entertainment venues.
Further information: Business licenses for restaurants and lodging establishments
Inquiries and correspondence regarding business licenses for restaurants and lodging establishments: rekstrarleyfi@reykjavik.is
Further details are available in the City Executive Council minutes.