The Norwegian Parliament, or Stortinget, is set to vote on a proposal that would permit remotely operated stores, known as 'fjernbetjente butikker', to sell alcohol. This proposal has gained a majority support in the health committee, with only the Christian Democratic Party (Krf) opposing it. This indicates a high likelihood of the proposal passing in the Stortinget, which would significantly impact the operations of these stores across the country.

Dagfinn Olsen, a representative from the Progress Party (Frp) in Nordland, expressed his support for the measure, emphasizing that many local communities are reliant on these stores for their supplies. He argues that it is the responsibility of politicians to create a framework that allows these businesses to maintain lower costs and remain operational, highlighting the importance of such stores in the socio-economic landscape of rural Norway. The proposal's approval would also apply to all remotely operated stores in Norway, expanding the current access significantly.

As of now, about 100 of these remotely operated stores have already received approval for alcohol sales. If the proposal passes, it would not only help the existing stores but also prevent the negative consequences that might arise from the Health Directorate’s previous assessments. The coalition backing the proposal includes several political parties, namely the Conservative Party (Høyre), Progress Party (Frp), Center Party (Sp), Liberal Party (V), and the Green Party (MDG), indicating a broad political consensus on the matter.