The government is making a decision on a proposal next week, which I will present to the Riksdag, and farm sales can thus be introduced in Sweden from June 1, says Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) to TT.
When the deadline expired last night, the EU Commission had no objections to the proposal to allow small-scale sales of beer, wine, and spirits in connection with visits to a microbrewery, distillery, or vineyard.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has called the law a freedom reform.
Sweden is becoming a bit more like the rest of Europe, said Kristersson when the proposal was presented.
Sensitive issue
The issue of sales outside of Systembolaget is sensitive because Sweden's model is unique in the EU. Only in Finland and Sweden is a company allowed to have a monopoly on selling alcohol.
The government, however, believes that Systembolaget's role is not threatened by the new rules.
There are both belts and suspenders in this proposal, says Forssmed.
Some of the restrictions are that the alcohol can only be purchased during a visit, study visit, or similar. Furthermore, the quantity is limited, and only small-scale producers are covered. The law is also time-limited to six years.
Portuguese protest
The EU process has taken extra long, as Portugal submitted a formal protest last autumn. The country believes, among other things, that other countries' producers will be discriminated against by the proposal.
Spanish wine producers, the European trade organization for wine producers, and several organizations that advocate for public health have also submitted critical comments.
Even if the government now gets the green light to proceed with the legislation, the EU Commission writes in a comment that they will continue to follow the development when the law comes into effect. Moreover, organizations, companies, and other countries can report Sweden to the EU Court.
Can go to court
But the Social Minister feels secure, even if he does not rule out that someone takes Sweden to court.
But it's clear that when we have a process like this behind us, it strengthens our assessment that this is sustainable EU-law-wise, he says.
The drinks can only be purchased in connection with a "knowledge-enhancing visit arrangement" organized by the producer.
At one and the same time, a person can buy: 0.7 liters of spirits, three liters of wine, three liters of strong beer, and three liters of other fermented alcohol drinks.
The drinks will be sold between 10 am and 8 pm.
Only small-scale producers are covered. Vineyards must grow their own grapes, but other producers do not need to produce raw materials on site.
The law is introduced temporarily for six years, after which it will be evaluated before it can be introduced permanently.
