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Sweden to Clash With EU on Alcohol Policies


The traditional Swedish alcohol policy is under pressure from EU harmonisation, as the Market Court in Stockholm has ruled that the country can no longer keep up its ban on advertisements for alcohol.

At the same time, Sweden finds the new EU rules on drugs too slack, as the country has until now maintained a policy of zero toleration.

EU Observer article.

Last modified on May 20 2003.

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7 March 2007 21:14, by Jonathan

Sweden to Clash With EU on Alcohol Policies

The Swedish state monopoly on alcohol makes an unfair situation for other European alcohol traders. The "Systemet" is the largest alcohol dealer in the whole union and can go in and buy a vinyards whole years supply of wine, leading to smaller firms not being able to compete. This is not the free trade intention of the European Union. It’s time now for the Union to clamp down on this illegal monopoly and allow others in on the market. The health of the Swedish people can be dealt with in other ways such as giving licences to shops that do not sell to minors, drunks and so forth. If Sweden is not willing to accept the unions principles then it should get out and keep its monopoly.

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