Farm sales of alcohol: “Sweden becomes a little freer, more like other countries in Europe”

Stockholm – On Wednesday, the parliament voted through new rules for small-scale farm sales in Sweden with 154 votes in favor and 129 against.

“Finally, it will be possible to take home a couple of bottles after visiting the local vineyard, microbrewery, or cider mill,” says parliament member Johan Hultberg, from the Moderates (the party that forms the government together with the Liberals and the Christian Democrats).

Now Sweden is becoming a little freer, a little more like other countries in Europe, he believes.

To protect the role of Systembolaget, 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.

Hultberg and several others warn in the parliamentary debate that the binding regulations being developed by the Public Health Agency will become absurd and over-implement the law. For example, the agency suggests that a visit must last 45 minutes, of which at least 30 minutes should be knowledge-enhancing activities such as a lecture or guided tour.

The industry and municipalities have also criticized the detailed regulations. The EU Commission has not had any comments on the legislative proposal. However, parts of the opposition warn that Systembolaget may be threatened and therefore voted against farm sales.

(April 23)