SWEDEN: Swedish drinkers should have a wider choice after the European Commission yesterday ordered Sweden to make it easier to import wine, beer and spirits.
In a decision that erodes the Nordic nation's strict state alcohol-sales monopoly, Swedes must now be allowed to buy alcoholic drinks over the internet or by mail-order from abroad.
Up to now, if Swedes spotted a rare vintage wine or obscure vodka not stocked by state-run chain Systembolaget, they would either have to arrange a special import via the monopoly, or else travel abroad personally to make the purchase.
Sweden has some of Europe's tightest drinking laws dating from the 19th century, but while Swedes drink less than the European average, they have failed to curb a national penchant for binge-drinking.
The EU's "reasoned opinion" - which could pave the way to court action if Sweden does not comply - says Swedes should be allowed to make imports for personal consumption directly.
Commission spokesman Mr Jonathan Todd said the main impact of the decision would be to increase choice rather than reduce prices. Importers will still have to pay Sweden's hefty alcohol duties.
"The effect is going to be on the margins. It's going to be beneficial to people who want wines or spirits that are not available at Systembolaget," Todd said.
"This is essentially a consumer choice issue. We are saying to the Swedish authorities: 'Fine, you can keep your retail monopoly, but the effect shouldn't be that you stop Swedish people from buying alcohol from other member states'."
While Todd played down the impact of the ruling, saying Systembolaget would retain its monopoly, the firm itself was wary.
"This is not a good thing. The Swedish opinion is that alcohol imported here should go through Systembolaget stores. The \ Court of Justice back in 1997 found the Swedish monopoly was compatible with EU laws. This is against that decision," Systembolaget spokesman Bjorn Rydberg said.
Systembolaget is also under threat from an EU-driven phasing-out of limits on the amount of alcohol Swedes can bring back from trips to neighbouring countries where alcohol is much cheaper.