No MOTÖRHEAD Wine For Icelanders, Says State Alcohol And Tobacco Company

According to IceNews, the State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland (ÁTVR), which has a monopoly in sales of alcohol in Iceland, has refused to sell a red wine marketed under the branding of the heavy rock band MOTÖRHEAD. The decision was taken because the name is apparently a nod to amphetamine abuse and because the band sings about war, unsafe sex and drugs.

Hjörleifur Árnason, the wine’s Icelandic importer, has now appealed the case to the parliamentary ombudsman.

Although ÁTVR has a monopoly on alcohol retail in Iceland, importers and distributors are able to deal directly with bars, restaurants and cafés; meaning the MOTÖRHEAD brand could still be sold in the country and can now expect a higher profile following this controversy.

The English word “Motorhead” is a slang term for an amphetamine addict and furthermore the band sings about war, abuse of power, irresponsible sex and substance abuse, ÁTVR said.