Systembolaget: Why you can’t just buy Wine at the Grocery Store in Sweden

Photo by Jahanzeb Ahsan on Unsplash

On Day 16 of the UBC let me ask you...

Did you know that you can't just buy a bottle of wine in Swedish supermarkets or gas stations? Systembolaget is the only (state-owned) store that is allowed to sell alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content of more than 3.5% by volume. 

Systembolaget and the surprising Truth about Swedish drinking Habits

Literally translated, Systembolaget means “The System Company” — a fitting name for Sweden’s state-run alcohol monopoly. It exists not to profit, but to minimize alcohol-related harm by strictly controlling when, where, and how alcohol can be purchased.

In the 19th century, Sweden had a huge alcohol problem, especially among the workers. Many of them distilled their own spirits or regularly drank to excess in the pubs. In the middle of the 19th century, per capita alcohol consumption was one of the highest in Europe.

To get a grip on this, Sweden introduced a rationing system, the so-called Bratt system, whereby alcohol could only be bought if you had a personal ration card. 

When this system was abolished, Systembolaget came into play with a clear mandate: Only sell alcohol in a controlled manner and without profit in order to minimize the negative consequences.

🏪 Where (and how) to buy Alcohol in Sweden

In Sweden, any drink with more than 3.5% alcohol can only be bought at Systembolaget, the government’s alcohol retail chain. That includes wine, spirits, and stronger beer. These stores are found across the country but have limited opening hours, usually closing by 7pm on weekdays and even earlier on Saturdays. They're closed on Sundays.

🧍‍♂️ Age & ID Rules

The legal drinking age in bars is 18, but to buy from Systembolaget, you must be 20. Regardless of age, everyone must show ID. A cultural norm that surprises many visitors. Unlike in many countries, grabbing a bottle of wine from a supermarket is simply not an option.

🚫 Can “known Alcoholics” still buy?

Sweden doesn’t maintain a list of problem drinkers, nor does it block purchases by individuals with a history of alcoholism. However, Systembolaget employees are trained to refuse service to anyone visibly intoxicated, which fits the system’s preventive, public-health-focused approach.

🎯 The Logic behind the System

Why all this effort? Sweden has a long history of alcohol abuse and public disorder linked to heavy drinking. Systembolaget, alongside high taxes and strict advertising rules, aims to reduce addiction, violence, and impulsive overconsumption. It’s not prohibition — just firm, structured access.

✅ But does It work?

The answer seems to be yes — mostly.
Sweden’s per capita alcohol consumption is about 8.5 liters of pure alcohol per year. Lower than Ireland’s 12.3 and only slightly above Italy’s 7.6, despite Sweden’s strong drinking culture.

While binge drinking remains an issue (especially among young adults and during festive events), impulse buying is low, underage access is rare, and alcohol-related harm is comparatively reduced. Still, some Swedes dodge the system by smuggling from Estonia or Germany, or simply hopping over to Denmark for cheaper booze.

🍷 Bars, Prices & Pre-Gaming

Drinking out in Sweden is expensive. Taxes and restaurant markups mean a glass of wine can cost double what it would elsewhere in Europe. As a result, many Swedes "pre-drink" at home before going out, a practice common in other countries too, but here, it’s often driven more by cost than by custom.

By the way, If you're invited to a party at someone's house, make sure to BYOB. It's very common that every guest stores their beer in the host's fridge. Also as you're out in a bar as a group, be prepared to pay for whatever you've been consuming. 

🇸🇪 Drinking Culture in Context

Swedes do drink, and often ceremonially. Holidays like Midsummer, Christmas, or Kräftskiva (crayfish parties) are associated with generous alcohol consumption, especially involving snaps (shots) paired with food and traditional songs.

The concept of "lagom" — not too much, not too little — may be a national value, but it doesn’t always extend to alcohol. Long, dark winters can also contribute to increased consumption as people look for warmth, distraction, or comfort.

Photo by Davide Biscuso on Unsplash

🌍 North vs. South: Cultural Contrasts

This got me thinking about Europe’s broader drinking divide. In Southern Europe, alcohol is woven into daily life, especially wine with meals. Italians, for instance, consume only 7.6 liters (2 gallons) per year, yet drink often, but in moderation.
In Ireland, drinking is more episodic and intense, centered on weekends or social events, and consumption climbs to 12.3 liters (3.25 gallons).

Sweden, with its high prices, strict laws, and structured retail system, sits somewhere in between — and perhaps punches below its reputation. Systembolaget may be part of the reason why.

🤔 What do you think?

Have you ever heard of Systembolaget? Would you support a system like this in your country — or find it patronizing? Does it strike you as smart social policy, or just a nanny state gone too far?