Abstract
Consumption of illegal spirits constitutes a significant proportion of the total consumption of alcohol in Norway. In the public discourse on alcohol control policy the demand for illegal spirits is frequently referred to as an argument to lower the taxes and increase the availability of alcohol, yet little is known about the demand side of the illegal spirits market. The present study aimed at assessing attitudes to sales of illegal spirits in terms of diversity, consistency and willingness to buy illegal spirits. The analyses are based on a national survey among 1052 respondents in the age group 16 to 79 years. The results demonstrated that attitudes to sales of illegal spirits were multi-dimensional. People tended to a large extent to express agreement with statements arguing acceptance due to high prices and limited availability of liquor, yet at the same time expressing agreement with statements on moral condemnation and concern with social consequences. Almost half of the respondents stated that they were willing to buy illegal spirits if offered. This statement was more common among those who agreed that buying illicit alcohol was a crime of minor importance, who agreed with acceptance of this due to high prices and limited availability and who disagreed with attitudes on moral condemnation.