Sweden's alcohol policy – when state control weakens
Photo: Luca Bravo, Unsplash.
Sweden's alcohol policy has long been regarded as an expression of a strong welfare state with strict rules to protect public health. But a new study from Jönköping University shows that this image does not fully hold true. In fact, the state's ability to control the alcohol sector has gradually weakened, despite its ambition to steer the sector’s evolution.
“There is a perception that the state has had a firm grip on alcohol policy, but our research shows that control has been limited and has gradually decreased over time,” says Luigi Servadio, Assistant Professor Business Administration at Jönköping International Business School.
The study, conducted in collaboration with Professor Jacob Östberg at Stockholm University, maps the period 1855–1995 as a cycle of conflicts rather than a linear development. Alcohol policy has been shaped by the interaction between the state, the temperance movement, the alcohol industry, political parties and, later, the EU – with no single actor having sole control.
The researchers identify three main phases:
- 1855–1918: A period of conflicting regulations and intense conflicts of interest, with both private monopolies and the temperance movement attempting to influence policy.
- 1919–1954: A relatively stable period under the dominance of the welfare state, with ration cards as a symbol of control – but not without political opposition and consumer dissatisfaction.
- 1955–1995: A phase of transformation characterized by neoliberal ideas, changing consumption patterns and recurring tightening of regulations, such as the reforms of 1977 and 1979.
“Our analysis shows that although stricter regulations can reduce consumption, it is much more difficult to regulate the industry itself. The alcohol industry has shown a great ability to adapt, expand and influence politics, especially with the rise of globalization,” says Luigi Servadio.
Farm sales – a symbol of change
The introduction of on-farm sales of alcohol in June 2025 is a current example of how alcohol policy continues to be an arena for conflict. The issue is not only about the rights of small producers, but also about the balance between public health and market liberalization.
“On-farm sales are the latest expression of how the role of the state has been weakened. They show how national regulations are increasingly being challenged by economic interests and international pressure,” says Luigi Servadio.
Systembolaget has long been a symbol of state control and public health protection, but its role is increasingly being questioned as new forms of sales emerge.
The study shows that Swedish alcohol policy is not just about consumption, but about power, politics and social change. It has been shaped by compromises between public health goals and commercial interests, where regulating individuals' consumption has often been more successful than controlling the industry.
“The question is not only whether alcohol should be sold on farms, but how Sweden should navigate between protecting public health and promoting economic development. It is a balancing act in which the state's influence has become increasingly limited,” says Luigi Servadio.
