Sweden considers extending alcohol home deliveries outside state retailer’s opening hours

Swedish Health Minister Elisabet Lann is open to allowing home deliveries of alcohol outside Systembolaget’s current store hours, according to a report by public broadcaster SVT.

The state-owned alcohol retailer has pushed for expanded delivery times in discussions with the government, arguing that customer demand for digital purchases and flexible delivery options is growing. Under current rules, deliveries—including home and agent deliveries—can only occur during Systembolaget’s standard store hours.

Lann, of the Christian Democrats (KD), cited cost and environmental benefits as reasons to reconsider the restrictions. “It becomes more expensive for Systembolaget when they have to complete deliveries before closing time. That’s unnecessarily costly,” she told SVT.

However, the minister ruled out extending in-store opening hours, citing public health concerns. Any change to delivery times would require parliamentary approval, she noted, adding that the government should explore solutions that do not involve longer store hours.

Systembolaget first requested expanded delivery and store hours in 2021, but the then-Social Democrat-led government rejected the proposal. The retailer has since clarified it is no longer seeking longer in-store hours, only extended delivery windows.