In Nordics it is mainly taxation that brings the price up, and also the state controlled monopoly with alcohol. I don't think wages are that much higher, except Norway.
The monopoly may contribute to the price in resturants, but for the monopoly store, no. In Sweden you can get a can of 0.5l beer for like 2€ in the store.
It has not changed. That is why I said "the monopoly store", because I did not know if you were aware of systembolaget. The light beers at normal stores are still very expensive.