On Wednesday, the Riksdag voted in new rules for small-scale farm sales with 154 yes votes against 129 no. The government, the Sweden Democrats, and the Centre Party believe it is about time.
Finally, it will be possible to buy a few bottles after visiting the local vineyard, microbrewery, or mustard factory, says Johan Hultberg (M).
Now Sweden is becoming a little freer, a little more like other European countries, he believes.
But Hultberg and several others warn in the Riksdag debate that the binding regulations that the Public Health Agency (Fohm) is drafting will be absurd and over-implement the law.
Hit-or-miss paragraph
For example, Fohm proposes that a visit must last 45 minutes, of which at least 30 minutes must be educational activities such as a lecture or guided tour.
Each visit must also begin with oral and written information about the harmful effects of alcohol.
It's becoming unnecessarily complicated, thinks Christofer Bergenblock (C).
He also accuses the government of having added the "hit-or-miss paragraph" about providing information about the harmful effects of alcohol. It was not included in the investigation on which the law is based.
Unfortunately, it gives the whole farm sale a touch of ridicule, and the responsibility lies entirely with the government, says Bergenblock.
Fears for Systembolaget
The industry and municipalities have also criticized the detailed regulations, including Peter Schölander (M), municipal councilor in Höganäs, where three of the country's vineyards are located.
If I go to Systembolaget, I can buy a whole box of whiskey without anyone giving a lecture and no one talks to me about the harmful effects of alcohol, said Schölander in an interview with TT.
To protect Systembolaget's role, the legislation includes various restrictions, including that only a certain amount can be purchased in connection with a paid visit to a small-scale producer.
The EU Commission has not had any comments on the bill. But S, V, and MP warn that Systembolaget may be threatened and therefore vote no to farm sales.
The drinks can only be purchased in connection with an "educational visit arrangement" organized by the manufacturer.
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 alcoholic beverages.
The drinks can be sold every day between 10 am and 8 pm, but municipalities can decide on more restricted hours.
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.
