Sweden’s newly approved farm sales law, set to take effect in June 2025, has ignited a heated debate among local producers and municipal leaders. While the reform will for the first time allow consumers to purchase alcohol directly from small-scale vineyards, breweries, and distilleries, industry voices argue that the accompanying regulations risk making the new system unworkable.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (Moderaterna) hailed the law as a “freedom reform“, aligning Sweden more closely with its European neighbors. However, local officials, particularly from the Höganäs municipality in northwestern Skåne, are raising red flags about implementation challenges.
Delayed knowledge test could hurt summer season
A key obstacle is the mandatory knowledge test that alcohol producers must pass to receive a permit for direct sales. The Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten, Fohm) is currently developing the test, with a target rollout date of June 1. But Peter Schölander, municipal councilor in Höganäs, warns that delays could undermine the short tourist season, which typically spans from June to early August.
“Suddenly, I see before me that this is going to take time,” Schölander stated in an open letter to the government. He emphasized that local vineyards are ready to mobilize staff even on Sundays to ensure the tests can be taken immediately.
Controversial visit structure and health warnings
What has drawn even more criticism are the strict regulations proposed by Fohm regarding the structure of visits. Each visit must last at least 45 minutes, with a minimum of 30 minutes dedicated to educational content, such as a guided tour or lecture. Moreover, each visit must begin with oral and written information about the harmful effects of alcohol.
“If I go to Systembolaget, I can buy a whole box of whiskey without anyone giving a lecture,” Schölander pointed out, contrasting the educational obligations imposed on small producers with the no-questions-asked policy at the national alcohol retail chain.
Fohm defended the approach, stating that the aim is to ensure farm sales support tourism and do not replace Systembolaget’s monopoly. According to Åsa Thornqvist, unit manager at the agency, the oral briefing requirement may have been misunderstood, and further guidance will be offered to municipalities once the regulations are finalized.
Scope and limitations of the law
Under the new law, only small-scale alcohol producers will be eligible. Vineyards must grow their own grapes, while breweries and distilleries are not required to produce raw materials on site.
Sales are allowed daily from 10:00 to 20:00, although municipalities can set stricter hours. A customer can buy up to 0.7 liters of spirits, three liters of wine, three liters of strong beer, and three liters of other fermented beverages during a single visit.
The temporary law, valid for six years, will undergo evaluation before any decision is made to make it permanent.
