According to the Minister of Health and Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed, who was interviewed by SR today, it is highly likely that farm sales of alcohol will be allowed starting in June this year. This will apply to alcohol produced using domestic raw materials, i.e., not using imported grapes or other raw materials from abroad.
Jakob Forssmed says that the decision on farm sales of alcohol is based on developing local small-scale tourism and simultaneously maintaining Systembolaget's monopoly on alcohol sales, which citizens appreciate.
This permit will be granted to small farms that produce alcohol, and the idea is that visitors to these farms will be able to buy a certain amount of alcohol to take home after their visit. Yesterday was the last day for EU countries to object to the proposal, and no protests were received from other EU countries.
Systembolaget and the Swedish Alcohol Monopoly
Systembolaget has the exclusive right to retail sales of alcohol, including beer, spirits, and wine, in Sweden. Systembolaget is state-owned and aims to limit alcohol consumption without private profit motives, among other things, by setting opening hours for stores and age controls (minimum 20 years old for purchases) and not selling to individuals who are visibly intoxicated. Systembolaget is also responsible for informing about the effects of alcohol and promoting responsible consumption and better public health.
