Draft Swedish farm bill: direct sales of Swedish beer, wine and spirits

The Swedish government is working on a bill allowing for sales of Swedish beer, wine and spirits directly to consumers at the production premise or affiliates. This would mean a new sales channel unique to domestic products, while foreign products would have to continue share space with domestic ones at Systembolaget, the Swedish retail monopoly for alcoholic beverages (>3,5% ABV).

The advocates of a farm bill stress the potential for local entrepreneurship and employment in rural areas, both directly (boost in sales/production) and indirectly (increased tourism). Beside the open discrimination of foreign products, a farm bill would also increase the risk of a tax hike, as such a liberalization of availability would likely come with a fiscal compensation (“to protect public health”).

Source:Comité Vins