1973 Faroese alcohol referendum explained

Country:Faroe Islands
State monopoly on alcohol beverages
Yes:5,683
No:9,086
Invalid:97
Electorate:24,103

A referendum on creating a state monopoly on alcoholic beverages was held in the Faroe Islands on 8 November 1973. The proposal was rejected by 62% of voters, equating to 37.7% of registered voters, above the 33% quorum required for rejection. Prohibition was eventually lifted in 1992.

Background

In 1907 the Løgting voted to hold a consultative referendum on banning alcoholic drinks. The result was a strong "yes" vote, with over 95% of voters voting for prohibition.[1] As a result, a ban on the serving and trade in beverages with an alcoholic content above 2% was introduced the following year.

Results

ChoiceVotes%
For5,68338.48
Against9,08661.52
Invalid/blank votes97
Total14,866100
Registered voters/turnout24,10361.68
align=left colspan=3Source: Direct Democracy

Notes and References

  1. http://www.sudd.ch/event.php?lang=en&id=fo011907 Faroes, 6 November 1907: Trading of Spirits