The government wants to allow vineyards, microbreweries, and small distilleries to sell their spirits directly on the premises.
However, there are certain restrictions to ensure that Systembolaget is not threatened.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) and Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) are announcing a bill proposal on farm sales that will come in the summer.
The idea is that smaller businesses that produce spirits in a craft and small-scale manner should be able to sell their products directly to visitors on the premises.
The proposal includes all types of drinks and it will not be required that the raw materials are also produced on the premises. Vineyards must, however, grow their own grapes.
The drinks will be allowed to be sold between 10 am and 8 pm directly to the person who has paid for a visit, for example, a guided tour or a lecture.
There will also be limitations on how much can be sold on the premises. Each consumer can buy 0.7 liters of spirits and three liters of each of wine, strong beer, cider, and other fermented drinks.
The proposal is intended to come into effect in the first half of 2025 but will first be tested for a six-year period. Before the reform expires, it will be evaluated and then made permanent if the result is as the government wants, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs.
According to Jakob Forssmed, farm sales have great importance for 600 breweries, distilleries, and other manufacturers of fermented drinks. The proposal does not threaten Systembolaget's monopoly, he says. It must, however, be approved by the European Commission.
Forssmed points out that the proposal aims to enhance the visitor experience, for example, at a vineyard.
The government will have a dialogue with the European Commission on the proposal and inquire about any objections from other EU countries before it is implemented.
Even if the Commission does not have any objections, companies such as other alcohol manufacturers who also want to sell alcohol in Sweden may request that the European Court of Justice review whether Systembolaget's monopoly is still in line with EU law.
Companies covered by the bill proposal can produce a maximum of:
Source: Ministry of Social Affairs
