Sweden lies in the so called "vodka belt", which stretches from Norway in the west, through Finland and into Russia in the east. Drinking habits in the vodka belt are pretty bizarre by continental standards. Although total consumption in Sweden is actually below average for Europe, it is crammed into just two days - Friday and Saturday.
This is particularly true outside of the bigger cities, where continental drinking habits have made big inroads in recent decades. This is a matter of considerable concern for the country's non-drinking lobby, a large part of which is found in the parliament. So, there is heavy taxation and plenty of legislation.
Where to buy
In Sweden alcohol can be bought at pubs, discotheques, night-clubs and restaurants, i.e. at establishments which are fully licensed to serve alcoholic beverages. Important to note, however, is that not all of them are fully licensed. Some may only serve beer and wine. Otherwise you have to use the government-owned State liqour shops " Systembolaget". There is an abundance of such stores throughout the country and they are easily recognised by the green logo. All kinds of beer, liquor, wine, champagne, liqueur, of all classes, alcohol levels and costs are for sales, as well as alcohol-free beverages, such as; water, beer and wine.
These rules apply
- Age limit. A customer has to be at least 20 years of age. (This rules out heavily armed teenagers who are obliged by law to don uniforms and die for their country as soon as they turn 18.)
- To buy on behalf of a minor is strictly forbidden.
The stores are open:
Mondays to Fridays 09.30 to 18.00 hours, Saturdays 10.00 to 15.00. However, in some places like Göteborg and Stockholm, certain stores close at 19.00. The stores are closed on Sundays and holidays.
Prices
Shop prices are pretty steep by most standards. This is due to taxation aimed at keeping people away from alcohol, except for top notch collector wines, which are actually less expensive here than in most of the rest of Europe. So a bottle of Chateau Margaux 1985 can be had for as little as - a real steal.
A pint of export beer costs around , a bottle of simple table wine around and a bottle of basic scotch . If this is too much for you, then buy cheaply in Germany and bring your own supply - the new rules are pretty liberal - all you can carry and then some.
Books about Swedish alcohol habits and regulations
There are actually several books available on the topic of Swedish alcohol regulations; Swedish Mentality by Daun or Modern-Day Vikings - A Practical Guide to Interacting with the Swedes by Christina Johansson Robinowitz and Lisa Werner Carr. More books on this subject can be found on Google Print.