There is a well-established prohibition system in Sweden and the general population has the attitude of moderation and control towards alcohol use. The retail sale reports categorically that the only legal place overriding 3.5% alcoholic content is Systembolaget. This system seeks to decrease alcohol consumption in the society by reducing its accessibility and by restricting its hours of operation. Being inebriated in public is disapproved and public drinking is seldom witnessed revealing a social order that disapproves of indulgence. While the legal age for drinking in bars is 18 years, it is 20 for buying from the Systembolaget chain.
Restricted personal freedom with moderation
For this reason, Sweden develops such alcohol policy aimed both at respecting the personal freedoms of the citizens and at protecting public health. The state monopoly in regard to the sale of alcohol makes sure that hard liquor is offered in an experienced setting, within the context of certain educational materials on the risks of consumption. Swedes tend to indulge in less drinking as they do not binge drinking like most countries in Europe do. Alcohol may be present at social events, but heavy drinking is avoided and the community believes in moderation.
Bars and retaurants
In Sweden, bars and restaurants sell alcohol, however, there are regulations on how inebriated a person can be before being thrown out of an establishment. It is illegal to serve someone who is obviously drunk and all the establishments must control the actions of the customers whether they are taking alcohol or not. Such laws as those in Sweden are not restrictive in the sense that they tend to social tolerance in alcohol taking away from its use being central in interactions.
Mostly, there is a reconciled standpoint on the use of alcohol in Sweden that combines willingness to follow the laws of the land with regard to excessive drinking and public order to the general pressure cooker bias of the country on moderation and personal accountability.
