In a significant departure from their longstanding alcohol regulations, Sweden and Finland have taken steps to relax strict laws governing the sale of alcohol, while still upholding state monopolies.
Sweden’s government in Stockholm has proposed the introduction of “farm sales,” allowing alcohol producers to directly offer beverages to customers visiting their premises. This move marks a departure from the traditional avenues of purchasing alcohol, which are primarily limited to state-owned shops or licensed establishments.
Meanwhile, Finland’s parliament has approved legislation to expand the sale of fermented drinks, such as beer, wine, and cider, with an alcohol content of up to 8% in supermarkets. This represents an increase from the previous limit of 5.5%. However, the sale of distilled beverages remains unaffected by the new law.
Both Sweden and Finland maintain alcohol monopolies, a practice unique to the region and rooted in a broader Nordic tradition aimed at regulating alcohol consumption for public health reasons.
The decision in Finland faced divided opinions, with 102 members of parliament voting in favor and 80 against. Notably, all members from the Christian Democrats, a party within the governing coalition, opposed the legislation, citing concerns about potential health implications and increased alcohol consumption.
Despite objections, the legislation in Finland is set to take effect swiftly, with stronger beers, wines, and ciders expected to hit supermarket shelves as early as next week.
In Sweden, the center-right government is also exploring avenues to support small-scale alcohol producers by allowing on-site sales to visitors. This initiative is framed as a means to foster entrepreneurship and create memorable experiences for consumers. If approved, this measure is anticipated to be implemented in 2025.
However, both countries may encounter hurdles as their decisions could potentially conflict with European Union competition laws. The European Commission has already expressed reservations regarding Finland’s exclusion of distilled beverages from its new legislation, signaling potential scrutiny ahead.