Alcohol in Sweden: Systembolaget, Rules and Traditions

Anyone shopping in Sweden for the first time will look in vain for wine or strong beer in the supermarket. Alcohol is strictly regulated in Sweden: stronger drinks are sold at retail only by the state monopoly Systembolaget. Behind this lies a long tradition of alcohol policy aimed at limiting consumption and protecting public health. This overview explains what is allowed, where you can buy what and which customs go with it.

Last updated: October 2026

Systembolaget: the state monopoly

Drinks with more than 3.5 per cent alcohol by volume, meaning wine, strong beer, cider and spirits, are sold at retail only by Systembolaget. The shops have a wide range and knowledgeable staff, but limited opening hours:

• Closed on Sundays and public holidays, and open only until early afternoon on Saturdays.
• Before holidays such as Midsummer, Easter or Christmas there are often long queues.
• Minimum age to buy: 20. Staff often ask for ID, even from adults who look considerably older.
• Staff will not sell to anyone visibly drunk, or to anyone suspected of buying for minors.

Prices are relatively high because of heavy alcohol taxes, especially for spirits. For wine, the gap with other countries is smaller than many people expect.

Folköl in the supermarket

Supermarkets only sell drinks up to 3.5 per cent, known as folköl, along with alcohol-free versions. The minimum age here is 18. For a barbecue or a picnic by the lake, that is quite enough for many Swedes.

New since 2025: farm sales

Since 1 June 2025, small producers have been allowed to sell wine, beer, cider and spirits directly at their farm or premises. This was not permitted before. The rules are narrow:

• Sales must be linked to a visit, such as a tour or tasting, at which information about the drink is given.
• Buyers must be at least 20.
• Per person and visit there are maximum quantities: 0.7 litres of spirits, and 3 litres each of wine, strong beer and other fermented drinks.
• Sales are allowed on weekdays from 10 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm, not on Sundays or public holidays. Municipalities can set further restrictions.

The scheme is temporary for now and is due to be evaluated by 2031. For travellers, farm sales are a nice way to get to know regional breweries, vineyards and distilleries, for example in Skåne, on Gotland or in Jämtland.

Restaurants and bars

In licensed restaurants and bars, guests aged 18 and over can order alcohol. Many clubs set their own, higher age limits of 20 or 23. Alcohol in bars and restaurants is expensive, and a large beer in the big cities often costs considerably more than in many other European countries. Drinking in public places may be banned by local rules, but a glass of wine at a picnic is common in many parks.

Customs: snaps and drinking songs

Celebrations such as Midsummer, Easter, the crayfish party in August and Christmas come with aquavit and herbal schnapps, served in small glasses. Before each glass, people sing a drinking song, a snapsvisa. The best known is “Helan går”. If you join in, you don’t have to drink: alcohol-free alternatives are widespread and completely normal in Sweden. More in our article on Midsummer in Sweden.

What this means for travellers and people in Sweden

• Plan your shopping: if you need wine for the weekend or a holiday, get to Systembolaget by Saturday lunchtime. Many holiday cottages are a long way from the nearest shop.
• Bringing alcohol in: you may bring alcohol from other EU countries for your own use if you are at least 20. The Swedish Customs Service (Tullverket) sets out the guideline quantities and rules.
• Driving: the blood alcohol limit is 0.2 per mille. Even one beer can be too much, and police check often, including in the morning. More under Transport in Sweden.
• Ordering online: Systembolaget offers orders for collection from a shop or, in some places, from collection points.

What else comes to the table in Sweden is covered in Food and Drink in Sweden.

Sources

• Systembolaget – opening hours and range
• Spiris: Gårdsförsäljning av alkohol 2026 – så funkar det
• Tullverket – rules for bringing alcohol into Sweden