The consumption of alcohol shot up more than 20 percent in Iceland last year after the nation lifted a 73-year ban on the sale of strong beer, a study indicates.
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Figures released Friday by the state alcohol monopoly show that Icelanders over the age of 15 consumed an average of 9.7 pints of pure alcohol in beer, spirits and other drinks in 1989, compared with 7.88 pints the year before.The organization said the 22.9 percent rise in consumption was largely due to the legalization March 1, 1989, of beer with more than 2.25 percent alcohol.