Existential crisis
If Sweden’s monopolist alcohol distributor, Systembolaget, pushes ahead with its plans to cut down on the number of beer brands it carries, up to 35 of Sweden’s small brewers could be pushed out of business.
According to Swedish law, only Systembolaget’s 416 outlets and the country’s restaurants are allowed to sell full strength beer. This prohibitionist regulation has been met with approval by the EU competition authorities.
However, in four years’ time Swedish beer drinkers will be permitted to import as much beer into the country as other Europeans. To prepare for the liberalisation of alcohol distribution and consumption, Systembolaget has to increase its efficiencies as concerns the number of beer brands it carries and the number of people
it employs..
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