Sweden softened the principles of purchasing alcohol outside Systembolaget

The alleviation of the regulations is to stimulate tourism and help craft producers in development, while maintaining the role of Systembolaget – state alcohol stores – in limiting access to alcohol and harming public health. IN Sweden There are about 600 small breweries, distillery and even vineyards.

– The discussion on the release of the alcohol market lasted 20 years – reminded the Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed. Earlier, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the reform as freedom, thanks to which Sweden will become more similar to other countries in Europe.

Until now, owners of breweries, distillery or vineyards to sell their products containing above 3.5 percent. Alcohol was forced to use the mediation of state stores called Systembolaget. In these 450 points in the whole country, customers who are at the age of 20 can buy alcohol on weekdays from 10am to 19 hours (in some facilities until 20), and on Saturdays until 15. According to the new regulations, the direct sale of stronger drinks is subject to many restrictions. It can only take place in connection with a minimum of 30 minutes by sightseeing, for example, a brewery, and the number of drinks purchased is a maximum of 0.7 liters of strong alcohol, three liters of wine or beer. The guide is also obliged to instrument on the harmfulness 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 rules. The Systembolaget network is to still be an important part of the Swedish anti -alcohol policy. – So this is a rather moderate freedom reform – admitted the minister. Sweden has one of the most severe anti -alcohol recipes in Europe. Earlier, she was criticized by allowing direct sales, among others The iogt-NTO sobriety organization claiming that it will contribute to the increase in alcohol consumption.

The Swedes have long worried about the effects of alcohol consumption for health and in 1922. Only a small majority of votes talked against prohibition.