Swedish government plans small-scale farm alcohol sales starting June 2025

The Swedish government plans to permit small-scale farm sales of alcohol starting June 1, 2025. The proposed legislation is currently under review by the European Commission in Brussels. A key concern is whether the proposal violates EU laws and discriminates against foreign manufacturers.

Various stakeholders have had the opportunity to submit their comments on the proposed law. Spanish wine producers and the European trade association for winemakers have expressed their objections.

On Monday, Portugal submitted a detailed opinion on the matter, which results in a three-month delay of the approval process. Consequently, the EU Commission will not provide a decision this week as initially planned.

“The member state involved, in this case, Sweden, must consider the detailed opinion,” stated Johanna Bernsel, a spokesperson for the EU Commission’s internal market department. The specifics of Portugal’s objections have not yet been made public.

The issue of farm sales also carries an additional layer of complexity, as Sweden’s retail model through Systembolaget is unique within the EU. Only Finland and Sweden allow a single entity the monopoly on alcohol sales. Critics have pointed out that permitting farm sales could jeopardize Systembolaget’s monopoly if implemented.

This ongoing discussion encapsulates varying perspectives on the balance of local production rights and existing market frameworks within the EU.