Swedish government split on rural booze sales
Published: 17 Nov 10 14:14 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/30268/20101117/
A government inquiry has proposed that farm stores in Sweden be allowed to sell both locally produced and imported alcoholic products, while critics argue that the state-owned Systembolaget retail monopoly is at risk.
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The question has split the ruling centre-right Alliance government.
The Moderates and the Centre Party are in favour of the proposal, while the Liberal Party and Christian Democrats are against it, who argue that it may risk the future of the Swedish alcohol retail monopoly, Systembolaget.
Liberal party economic policy spokesperson Carl B. Hamilton argued that the EU could challenge Systembolaget's exemption from EU competition rules that it was granted when Sweden entered the union in 1995.
"For those who wish to maintain a restrictive alcohol policy, there are major risks with the proposal," Hamilton told DN on Wednesday.
The Christian Democrats also expressed concern over Systembolaget's monopoly in Sweden, with economic policy spokesperson Anders Sällström arguing that it could "loosen" Systembolaget's monopoly.
According to EU law expert Lotty Nordling, who leads the inquiry, the proposal to extend legislation to the sale of imported liquor as well as locally produced, has been developed in response to EU criticism of a similar system in Finland which it is claimed favours domestic brands.
However, the proposal does include limits: 1 litre of spirits, 3 litres of wine or 5 litres of beer per person. Total annual farm alcohol sales would be restricted to 10,000 litres annually.
According to a recent Sifo poll, Swedish support for Systembolaget's monopoly has fallen for the first time in years, but remains popular with around 66 percent backing the status quo.
The inquiry is set to be concluded by the end of the year, while legislative proposals will likely be developed during 2011.
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Monopolies are never, never good. They breed laziness, arrogance and corruption. Those adjectives fit Systemet very well.
It will help boost the local economy in rural areas.
As for Systembolaget. The sooner that monoploy is broken up, the better.
Made on site???? That sounds like "Hembrännt" (Moonshine)
It won't be an issue in a free market system, because it runs on free choice, it honors personal responsibility. Everything becomes straightforward and natural, like it was prior to any government ever existed.
Not sure if Svensson can cope with the fact of having Off Licences & proper wines & beers on sale in the local super. Keep syetemet as an option if required but give us a choice.
As to the esatablishment of new pharmacy chains - that's been great. I'm just waiting for Boots to come over here, so I can buy all the normal medical supplies that are mysteriously absent from Sweden (e.g. Germolene antiseptic cream instead of buying its chemical constuents in plain plastic bottles, and Lemsip/Beecham's Powders instead of Paracetamol tablets + anticongestant tablets + vitamin C)...
There was a lot of squealing when Apotek's monopoly was ended but the whole of that market has been invigorated and Apotek has generally woken up to the 21st century.