Omicron: Norway bans booze in hospitality venues as leaders look to slow spread of the variant

Alcohol sales have been banned in Norwegian hospitality settings as country leaders race to impose new restrictions to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced that hospitality venues will be allowed to stay open, but booze will be off the menu for at least four weeks.

The mask mandate in the country has also been extended, as well as restrictions imposed on access to gyms and swimming pools.

Mr Store admitted that the restrictions imposed will "feel like a lockdown" for many, but insists the measures are "necessary" in order to prevent further transmissions.

The news comes as the UK Deputy Prime Minister said the government’s Plan B will be enough to get the country through Christmas, though he did not rule out future restrictions to tackle Omicron.

Dominic Raab said the current set of measures, which include working from home and increased mask-wearing, will enable people to have the ability to spend the festive season “with loved ones” across England.

Discussing the accelerated booster rollout, he told Times Radio: “It’s a demanding target but … the facts are that we will go into this Christmas with the ability to spend it with loved ones in a way that was impossible last year".

He did not rule out further measures being considered for Christmas or new year, saying: “These issues are always discussed but we have got Plan B, that’s what we think is required over the Christmas period".

Pressed if Christmas will be safe, Mr Raab replied: “Yes, I think it is. I want to give that reassurance. I think people can look forward to spending Christmas with loved ones in a way that we couldn’t last year".

Later, speaking to Sky News, the Cabinet member did not rule out new restrictions being brought in after Christmas but said: “We’ve got none planned".

The booster programme alongside Plan B is “where all our focus is”, he added.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) believes the Omicron variant is causing around 200,000 new infections per day.

There is exponential growth, with cases doubling at least every two to three days.