Monday 1 June marks Children’s Day, and alcohol will not be sold in the country’s largest retail chains. This applies at Kalaallit Nunaanni Brugseni, Pisiffik and Pilersuisoq: – We are losing some revenue, but that is also perfectly fine, says distributor at Brugsen in Nuuk, Pipaluk Noahsen.
If you Monday go into one of Kalaallit Nunaanni Brugseni’s 17 shops to buy alcohol, you go in vain.
Brugseni has decided that alcohol will not be sold on Children’s Day.
– It is natural that the children should have a safe day on Children’s Day. We prioritize that the children have a good day where they thrive and are happy, says Pipaluk Noahsen, distributor in Brugsen in Nuuk.
All the big stores stop selling alcohol
Two years ago, Brugseni tested a ban on alcohol sales on Children’s Day in South Greenland. But this year is the first time that alcohol sales are closed throughout the country.
Alcohol will not be sold on Children’s Day in Pilersuisoq’s 67 stores either, Juliane Henningsen Heilmann, director of HR, communication and sustainability at KNI, told Sermitsiaq.
Pisiffik also stops the sale of alcohol on that day.
– We are looking forward to a pleasant day with a focus on community and the children – and thank you for your understanding and support, writes Pisiffik on Facebook.
Will make it a tradition
From a business point of view, it might otherwise be obvious to sell alcohol, especially because it has just been payday.
But in Kalaallit Nunaanni Brugseni, the children’s well-being is valued more than the lost revenue.
– We don’t think so much about the income we lose. We have talked about this because we prioritize the children’s well-being more. We lose some revenue, but that is also perfectly fine, says Pipaluk Noahsen.
It has not yet been decided whether it will become a fixed tradition to refrain from selling alcohol on Children’s Day. But if it was up to the distributor in Nuuk, the scheme will continue.
– I would suggest that it be every year, because I think it is a good idea. I also have children myself, so I have a great understanding of that, says Pipaluk Noahsen.
Later alcohol sales on Saturdays
Another restriction on alcohol sales was also introduced this month. Together with Pisiffik and Kamik in Nuuk, Brugseni has decided to only sell alcohol from 12 o’clock on Saturdays – against 10 o’clock previously.
It must be assessed later whether the trial should continue. But according to Pipaluk Noahsen, the change has already created more peace in the stores.
– Saturday mornings are quiet. We don’t see any drunk people. Some were a little dissatisfied because they hadn’t fully understood it, but they accept it, even if they don’t necessarily agree, says Pipaluk Noahsen.
