Swedish alcohol policy

The Swedish alcohol policy dates back to the temperance movement of the 19th century in Sweden , which (as estimated four to five times the current consumption) as a response to the comprehensive social problems associated with heavy alcohol consumption this time.

The abstinence movement

Under the influence of American and English organizations, a Swedish abstinence movement emerged in the second half of the 19th century , which at its height in 1910 had almost half a million members and, in conjunction with the free church revival movement and the labor movement in Sweden, represented an important political power factor.

In 1909, the abstinence movements carried out a collection of signatures in support of a total ban on alcoholic beverages, which was supported by 56% of the adult population. This was opposed by the strong economic interests of private individuals and companies. But the interests of the Swedish state and its communities were also affected, as an important part of the tax revenue came from the sale of alcoholic beverages.

The Bratt system

In this situation, the Stockholm doctor Ivan Bratt put forward a compromise proposal that provided for the nationalization of alcohol production and distribution in order to eliminate private profit interests. At the same time, alcohol consumption should be limited through rationing. In 1914 the rationing of alcoholic beverages was introduced on a trial basis in Gothenburg , Jönköping and Stockholm and, due to the positive experiences throughout the Reich, from 1917 onwards. Initially, only men over 25 and unmarried women could get a motbok (rationing book) after individual examination , provided they did not go through Had noticed drunkenness. The maximum ration (for men) fluctuated during the rationing period and towards the end of the period (1955) was 3 liters of schnapps per month.

In the 1920s, the import and export ( Vin & Spritcentralen ) and the distribution ( Systembolaget ) of alcoholic beverages were monopolized by the state, and later also the production.

The abstinence movement was not satisfied with the introduction of the Bratt system and continued to demand a total ban. In 1922 she pushed through a referendum in the Reichstag. The ban was only rejected with a narrow result (51% against and 49% for the ban), with the majority of women voting for the ban (59%). The result of the referendum ensured that the Bratt system would continue to exist until 1955.

1955 to 1995

Systembolaget

In 1955 the rationing system was abolished. Instead, positive measures such as increased awareness-raising and care missions should shape alcohol policy. But it quickly became apparent that alcohol consumption rose dramatically, and in 1957 sharp price increases (through the introduction of high alcohol taxes) were implemented. The price instrument was consequently the most important means of holding back consumption. In 1986, alcohol consumption in Sweden was around 25% higher than in 1954, but it was still among the lowest in Europe in an international comparison (around half of German consumption).

Even if the rationing had been lifted, the purchase of alcoholic beverages was made more difficult by restrictive forms of distribution. Alcoholic beverages could only be bought in the few state alcohol shops ( Systembolaget ). The opening times were restrictive and the self-service - which has long been common in other shops - was not provided, which could lead to long queues and waiting times of more than an hour.

The high prices led to an extensive black market. It is believed that around a quarter of the alcohol consumed came from illicit distilleries or was contraband.

Self-service has been introduced in some system bolagets since 1991.

Since 1995

When it joined the European Union in 1995, the conditions for Swedish alcohol policy changed radically. Although the Swedish state was able to maintain a retail monopoly on sales, production, import and export had to be privatized.

According to Swedish law, the easing of the private import of alcohol decided in this context only allowed the corresponding goods to be brought from trips. Anyone who wanted to order alcoholic goods abroad still had to do so via the state monopoly shops of Systembolaget , which charged 17 percent of the price and other fees for their service. About four percent of the Swedish population, i. H. Almost 300,000 people, according to the Center for Social Science Research on Alcohol and Drugs (SORAD) at Stockholm University, did not adhere to the legal requirements and imported alcohol from abroad - previously illegally - via mail and other channels.

On June 5, 2007, however, the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg ruled that the Swedish alcohol policy violated the principle of the free movement of goods in parts. According to this ruling, Swedish citizens will no longer be forced to order spirits from abroad through Systembolaget . You are now free to buy alcohol directly by mail order (including the Internet ) in other EU countries. You have to declare the imported alcohol. Commentators also reminded that the goods still have to be taxed in Sweden , that it does not make alcohol significantly cheaper and that the actual effects of the judgment may not be dramatic. The Swedish side argued that the ban on uncontrolled imports served the protection of minors and public health. The judges did not agree with this line of argument.

Between 1996 and 2005, Swedish alcohol consumption rose by 21 percent, according to the Central Statistics Office. Since then, however, there has been a slight decrease in the numbers, which Mats Ramstedt from SORAD explains by saying that the initial enthusiasm about the relaxed import ban is now beginning to wane. After traveling abroad, Swedes are now importing less alcohol. In 2005, 38 percent of alcohol consumption came from wine, 30 percent from beer, 25 percent from spirits and 7 percent from so-called folk oil . H. lower alcohol beer.

Abolition Study

In 2006 the Statens folkhälsoinstitut commissioned an official and independent study to investigate the effects of the abolition of the alcohol monopoly. The international research group examined two scenarios:

Business under license

The Systembolaget shops would be replaced by private shops that are allowed to sell alcohol through an acquired license, so-called “specialized alcohol shops”. According to such a scenario, the researchers expect the number of corresponding stores to increase from 400 (2006) to 1,200. The entire alcohol assortment would increase in offers, but the assortment in individual shops would be smaller than the assortment of a state store. According to the research group, the price level would on average stay at the current level. However, alcohol would become more expensive in sparsely populated areas, while lure discounts and associated price reductions are expected in the cities. The opening times would be about ten hours longer per week. The same effectiveness would be achieved with age controls, but only if the staff were trained equally and the controls were carried out just as strictly. Alcohol consumption would increase by around five percent, including through radio and television advertising.

Super Market

The second scenario provides for the sale of alcoholic beverages in grocery stores, a scenario that is quite comparable with the situation in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Here the researchers see an increase in sales outlets to up to 8,000 stores. The range in an average store would be significantly smaller than in an average Systembolaget point of sale, while the opening times, i.e. the possibility of purchasing alcoholic beverages, would be extended to 84 hours per week (including Sunday) due to the liberal laws. The expected introduction of in-store alcohol brands such as ICA wine would result in a slight price reduction of up to 5%. Alcohol consumption would, u. a. through radio and television advertising and private business policy, increase by about 8%. The age controls would be expected to be less effective.

Absolute numbers

According to the study, privatization would result in the following changes (private with license / grocery stores):

More deaths, for example in road traffic (+ 700 / + 1,580)
More cases of abuse (+ 6,700 / + 14,200)
More sick leave (+7.3 million days / + 16 million)

Import conditions

As in other EU countries, the import of alcohol for private use is regulated in such a way that taxes are levied in the country in which the alcohol was purchased. In contrast, for commercial imports, the tax is levied in the country where the alcohol is consumed. A private person who buys alcohol for himself in a foreign country pays the taxes there. Alcohol may be imported into Sweden tax-free if

it is intended for your own use or your own family (but not for friends and acquaintances)
and if the goods are personal, e.g. B. in luggage.

Alcohol may only be imported by people who are at least 20 years old. The Swedish customs office, Tullverket , determines whether the import is for personal use or whether it is a commercial import based on upper limits, which are recognized EU-wide as guidelines, and the type of alcohol transport. The upper limits for imports from EU countries are ten liters of spirits, 20 liters of strong wine or other intermediate products, 90 liters of wine (of which a maximum of 60 liters of sparkling wine) and 110 liters of beer. If it can be made credible that the alcoholic beverages are intended for private use (e.g. a large party), the employees of the customs authorities can also allow larger quantities. Different regulations apply to trips from non-EU countries.

Web links

Sweden - Increase in excise taxes on alcohol and alcoholic beverages as of January 1, 2017 Germany Trade and Invest , December 21, 2016

Remarks

↑ Consisting of: Harold Holder, Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, CA, USA; Emilie Agardh, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm; Pi Högberg, Department of Alcohol and Narcotics, Swedish National Institute of Public Health, Östersund; Ted Miller, Public Services Research Institute, Pacific Institute for Research & Evaluation, Calverton, MD, USA; Thor Norström, Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University; Esa Österberg, Alcohol and Drug Research, Social Research Unit for Alcohol Studies, National Research Center for Welfare and Health (Stakes), Helsinki, Finland; Mats Ramstedt, Center for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs, Stockholm University; Ingeborg Rossow, Norwegian Institute for Alcohol and Drug Research Oslo, Norway; Tim Stockwell, Center for Addictions Research of BC Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, BC, Canada