The government's bill to allow small-scale sales of beer, wine, gin, and other alcohol during visits to vineyards and microbreweries has been on the EU Commission's table for review all autumn.
At midnight on January 8, the deadline expires, and sources in the EU Commission tell TT that they will not submit any statement on the proposal.
In practice, this means that the government can proceed with plans to allow farm sales from June 1.
Actually, the process should have been completed already in October, but Portugal protested at the last minute, and the deadline was extended to January 8.
Portugal, like winemakers around the EU, has complained that the proposal discriminates against manufacturers from other countries and constitutes trade barriers. However, the Swedish government stands firm in its response to Portugal that the law amendment does not violate any EU rules. The sales will be limited and do not constitute an alternative to Systembolaget's retail trade.
Those who buy alcohol during farm sales will be able to purchase a maximum of 0.7 liters of spirits, three liters of wine, three liters of strong beer, and three liters of fermented beverages at one time.
The alcohol can only be purchased in conjunction with a visit to the vineyard, distillery, or microbrewery.
The companies covered by the bill are allowed to produce at most:
75,000 liters of spirits.
400,000 liters of fermented beverages with up to 10 percent alcohol, such as beer and cider.
200,000 liters of fermented beverages with over 10 percent alcohol, such as wine.
Source: Ministry of Health and Social Affairs
