While tongue-in-cheek, NordicFrost is wrong on some points.
"Do NOT argue with the bouncers, they are not rational people and often high on different drugs. If there's a fight or incident, the police shut down the place."
- correct, do not argue with the bouncers. We act as if we own the place because we do. The bar/nightclub/whatever is private property, and we have been legally delegated the authority of ownership while being on duty. You have absolutely no right to be there if the bouncer tells you to leave. Don't ever discuss, just comply!
If you assault someone, the guards are allowed to fight back and arrest you, so don't try.
Death threats or other threats are also arrestable offenses, and we do not take lightly on such incidents. Colleagues have previously been murdered on the job, so we WILL arrest your ass and have you prosecuted.
As for the drugs. Perhaps that is how it is in Oslo, but in Bergen that sort of thing does not happen.
Most likely NF is just disgruntled, because even though I don't know the business outside Bergen, I have a hard time believing they can get away with it, even there.
"Be aware of the city of Tønsberg. The city has astronomic penalties for peeing in public (approx. 1100 USD) and fighting (approx 2200 USD). They also have a zero tolerance policy."
Be aware of everywhere. Even if Tønsberg has extra pricey fines, the fines will hurt your wallet wherever you are.
Serving of beer is age limited to 18 years or above, to buy liquor (13,99 % alcohol and above) you have to be 21 or older. Bars that serve liquor have to set the limit to 21 years.
Blatantly wrong!
He's correct on the beer, but very wrong on the liquor.
Places that serve liquor is required by law to prohibit anyone under 20 years old from drinking.
There is NO LAW stating that minors have to be denied access to the venue. The law requires that they cannot be served.
The universal practice however, is that no-one under drinking age is allowed access to the venue. This limitation is perfectly legal, and non-negotiable (see above)
Regarding Matsmats statements:
"When in Rome, do as the Romans: Drink at home until you're all out, then go out."
Again, this will not work in Bergen. We follow the law, and the law is very clear on the matter; we are required to deny access to anyone that is "visibly
inebriated."
If your local bouncers grant you access when you're already drunk, they are breaking the law.
"The tolerance for drunken behaviour is almost limitless"
Yet again, your local bouncers are amateurs. In Bergen, every single one is required by the police to complete a specifically designed course before he can be a doorman.
All strong alcohol and wine is sold through a system of stores called Vinmonopolet. This is a widely hated system, but it is also the store with most alcoholic brands in the world (5000 different brands. Yowza!). Prices are high. This is due to the incredible high taxes on alcohol, a full bottle of vodka will set you back some 35 USD. A bottle of young French wine costs around 10 USD. Yeah, it's expensive.
While I agree that the tax on alcohol is ridiculous, I love Vinmonopolet. As NF says, the employees are expert on their products, so don't be afraid to ask for guidance.
(Just don't go asking dim questions such as "can you advice me on a good wine that will make me drunk"... the answer is fairly obvious; anything.)
In addition, the price does get you something. If you get a bottle that is of poor quality, you can return it to the store in exchange for a new one. Remember to bring the receipt!
Again, be sensible; if you've drunk half the bottle, it wasn't that bad, and they certainly won't give you a new one.