What is Systembolaget?
In Sweden, you cannot just pick up a bottle of wine or some beer at your local grocery store. Instead, there is only one place where you can buy alcohol to take home - Systembolaget.
Systembolaget is run by the government and is all about making sure alcohol is sold responsibly. This means Systembolaget does things a little differently:
- It is not open late or on holidays: If you are planning a party, check the opening hours to avoid showing up when it is closed.
- You have to be at least 20 years old to shop there: Even if you can legally drink at 18, you cannot buy alcohol from Systembolaget until you are 20.
- No sales or discounts: This is to stop people from buying more than they originally planned.
- They promote responsible drinking: Staff might even offer tips on how to enjoy your drink in moderation.
- Great alcohol-free options: They carry high-quality non-alcoholic adult drink options.
For example, if you are planning a Friday dinner with friends, you will want to make sure you swing by Systembolaget during the day. If you wait too long and it is closed, you might have to settle for tap water with your meal!
Is the Drinking Age 18 or 20?
So you can not buy alcohol from Systembolaget until you are 20 years old, but can you still drink alcohol if you are under 20? Well, if you are 18, yes!
The drinking age in Sweden is 18. So if you are 18 years old you can still go to bars and clubs and buy drinks, however you are not allowed to buy alcohol from Systembolaget until you have turned 20.
Drinking in Sweden comes with its own set of rules, but once you get the hang of it, it is pretty straightforward.
Cheers - or as we say in Swede, skål!
