After the go-ahead from Brussels, the government’s aim is for farm sales of alcohol to be introduced on 1 June.
– The government makes a decision on a bill next week that I agree to the Riksdag, and farm sales can thus be introduced in Sweden from June 1, says Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) to TT.
As the deadline passed overnight, the European 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 winery.
The issue of sales outside Systembolaget is sensitive because Sweden’s model is unique in the EU. Only in Finland and Sweden is it allowed for a company to have a monopoly on selling alcohol.
However, the government assesses that Systembolaget’s role is not threatened by the new rules.
There are both braces and a waist belt in this proposal, says Forssmed.
Some of the restrictions are that alcohol may only be purchased during a visit, study visit or similar. In addition, the quantity is limited and only small-scale manufacturers are covered. The law is also time-limited to six years.