Sweden is slowly loosening its alcohol market. The state is getting rid of its prerogatives

In Sweden, at the beginning of June, regulations liberalizing the state monopoly on alcohol sales came into effect. After years of debate, under certain conditions, it is now possible to buy takeaway beer directly from the brewery outside the official network of state stores.

"The discussion on liberalizing the alcohol market has lasted 20 years," recalled the Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health, Jakob Forssmed. Earlier, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the reform as a liberal one, thanks to which Sweden would become more similar to other countries in Europe.

Until now, owners of breweries, distilleries and wineries were forced to use the intermediary of state-owned stores called Systembolaget to sell their products containing more than 3.5 percent alcohol. In these 450 locations across the country, customers aged 20 and over can buy alcohol on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (in some locations until 8 p.m.), and on Saturdays until 3 p.m.

According to the new regulations, however, the direct sale of stronger alcoholic beverages is subject to many restrictions. It can only take place in connection with a tour of a brewery lasting at least 30 minutes, and the amount of beverages purchased is a maximum of 0.7 liters of strong alcohol, three liters of wine or beer. The guide is also obliged to instruct on the harmful effects of drinking and the issue of addiction.

Minister Forssmed, criticized for these restrictions by local beer producers, admitted that they did not want to overdo the liberalization of the regulations. The Systembolaget network is still to be an important part of Swedish anti-alcohol policy. "So it is rather a moderate reform of freedom," admitted the minister.

During the interpretation of the regulations, it turned out that the authorities of some local governments, e.g. the city of Stockholm, limited direct sales to the days and hours of operation of liquor stores, i.e. on weekdays. In turn, in the municipality of Nacka on the outskirts of the Swedish capital, the first beer from the brewery could be drunk on Sunday, June 1.

Sweden has some of the strictest alcohol laws in Europe. Previously, the introduction of direct sales was criticized by, among others, the sobriety organization IOGT-NTO, claiming that it would contribute to an increase in alcohol consumption.

There are about 600 small breweries, distilleries and even wineries in Sweden.

From Stockholm Daniel Zyśk (PAP)

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