Latest news with #Systembolaget
Local Sweden
3 days ago
- Politics
- Local Sweden
Sweden's new alcohol law: 'Freedom reform' or flop?
This week: How a new law puts a chink in Systembolaget's armour, and why Sweden could ban international adoptions. For Membership+ subscribers: what are the Social Democrats planning for next year's election? And how will Sweden's elderly care system cope as immigrant workers are forced to leave Sweden? Advertisement This week we talk about a new alcohol law that came into force this month and what it means for consumers. And why has a government inquiry proposed banning international adoptions and apologising to adoptees. For Membership+ subscribers we discuss how Sweden's biggest political party, the Social Democrats, is gearing up for next year's general election. Finally, with updates expected this month on new salary requirements for work permit holders, we look at how the current limit has already led to staffing shortages in Sweden's elderly care service as immigrant workers are forced to leave the country. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Advertisement Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Alcohol Family Politics Work permits You can listen to the free episode here: Or follow Sweden in Focus wherever you listen to podcasts. Advertisement Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription. Advertisement
Local Sweden
5 days ago
- Business
- Local Sweden
Swedes breathe sigh of relief after Systembolaget strike is called off
The Midsummer's Eve aquavit is safe. Advertisement Swedes' access to alcohol this summer is secured after trade unions struck a deal with business organisation Svensk Handel less than a week before hundreds of employees at state-run alcohol monopoly Systembolaget had been set to walk out. Unionen and Engineers of Sweden had threatened industrial action which would have affected Systembolaget's headquarters as well as warehouses in Stockholm, Kungsängen, Sundsvall and Örebro. As the warehouses supply alcohol to the chain's stores, there was a risk of shelves running dry and some shops having to close as a result. The sticking point was union demands for part-time employees to be given the same rights to overtime compensation as full-time employees when they work more than their contracted hours. But after signing a new collective bargaining agreement, the strike was called off.
Reuters
30-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Sweden eases alcohol monopoly one bottle at a time
STOCKHOLM, May 31 (Reuters) - If Anna Anerfalt gets a license to sell gin, whiskey and schnapps to visitors at her family's distillery near Norrtalje in Sweden, the first thing she will have to do is warn them of the dangers of alcohol. From June 1, small-scale breweries, vineyards and distilleries will be able to sell direct to customers - the first easing of Sweden's more than 100 year-old alcohol sales monopoly. The aim is to boost tourism and help craft producers to grow, while preserving the role of Systembolaget - state booze shops - in limiting access to alcohol and damage to public health. "The whole event has to start off with a warning about the risks of drinking alcohol," Anna Anerfalt, CEO of the Norrtalje Branneri said, describing one of the conditions set in return for the right to sell. She supports strict alcohol controls and said she was positive about the change to the law. "I'm not sure it will affect the sales of our product that much, though, because each visitor is only allowed to buy one bottle," she said. Under the new rules, distilleries like Norrtalje will be able to sell a 0.7 litre bottle directly to visitors after a paid tour between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Sales at vineyards and micro-breweries will be capped at 3 litres. A 2021 government committee report estimated an increase in alcohol sales of around 200,000 litres a year across Sweden, or less than 1% of sales at Systembolaget. Swedes have long fretted about the health effects of alcohol consumption, only narrowly voting against prohibition in 1922. The World Health Organisation says the Nordic region's strict alcohol policies, which include some of the highest booze taxes in Europe, contribute to relatively low consumption and reduce negative health effects. Even a small change to alcohol laws is controversial. "Increased alcohol consumption leads to more social problems," Alexander Ojanne, head of Social Affairs and Public Safety at Stockholm's municipal council, said. "We want to reduce those social problems as much as possible." Stockholm's numerous micro-breweries will only be able to sell when Systembolaget is open - meaning no late evenings, Saturday afternoons or Sundays. Others see bigger worries. Sweden got an exception to free market rules for Systembolaget when it joined the European Union in 1995 and some fret that Brussels could now demand a bigger change. "The problem isn't farm sales in itself, rather we think that it threatens Systembolaget's monopoly," Lucas Nilsson, the chairman of Sweden's biggest temperance organisation IOGT-NTO said. "Ultimately, it could mean we have to dismantle Systembolaget," Nilsson said. The government will review the law after six years.
Local Sweden
28-05-2025
- Business
- Local Sweden
Swedes fear alcohol shortage as Systembolaget summer strike looms
If there's one way to spark the ire of Swedes, it's by telling them they may not get their aquavit in time for Midsummer. Advertisement Swedes' access to alcohol could be limited this summer after the Unionen trade union threatened to launch industrial action at Swedish state-owned alcohol chain Systembolaget unless it reaches an agreement with business organisation Svensk Handel by June 10th. The strike would affect Systembolaget's headquarters as well as warehouses in Stockholm, Kungsängen, Sundsvall and Örebro. The warehouses supply alcohol to the chain's stores, and several hundred Unionen members would be involved in the strike. There is a risk that shelves could run dry as a result, and that some stores may even have to close. "The Midsummer Eve snaps is in danger," reads a headline in the Aftonbladet newspaper. The sticking point, according to Unionen, is its demands for part-time employees to be given the same rights to overtime compensation as full-time employees when they work more than their contracted hours. "We demand fair conditions for everyone," it said in a statement. "We regret that Unionen is choosing this path," said a representative from Svensk Handel in a statement. In Sweden, Systembolaget has a monopoly on over-the-counter sales of drinks with an alcohol content stronger than 3.5 percent ABV. FOOD AND DRINK:
Local Sweden
27-05-2025
- Local Sweden
What's open and what's closed in Sweden on Ascension Day?
Ascension Day is a public holiday in Sweden, where Swedes have a day off to mark the day Christ ascended into heaven (although for most people it's just another public holiday). How are shops, Systembolaget and public transport affected? Advertisement There is no blanket legal requirement in Sweden for shops to close on Ascension Day (May 29th). When it comes to supermarkets and grocery shops, the chances are that they will be open as usual, particularly if you live in a city, although possibly with slightly reduced opening hours. Smaller shops may be closed, and some of them may choose to take Friday, May 30th off as a klämdag or 'squeeze day' — a common practice in Sweden where employees take a day off between a public holiday and the weekend to create a long break. The exception is the state-owned alcohol chain Systembolaget, which always closes on public holidays or so-called 'red days', meaning it will also be closed on May 29th. Libraries are often closed on red days, so it's worth making other plans if you were planning on catching up with some coursework or taking your kids to the nearest one to keep them occupied. Advertisement As far as tourist attractions go, these will probably be open, but it's worth checking to make sure. In Stockholm, popular tourist attractions such as the Vasa museum and Abba museum will be open as normal. Skansen will also be open, although it won't be hosting any particular Ascension Day events. As with other public holidays, public transport in Swedish towns and cities may operate on a reduced schedule on Ascension Day – often on the same schedule as regular Sundays.
