Two Judgments on Sales of Alcoholic Beverages in Sweden on Producers’ Sites – Opening Hours Are Not Required to Match Those of Systembolaget

Following the June 2025 legalisation of on‑site sales of alcoholic beverages at producers’ premises in Sweden, judgments on the first cases under the new framework have now been issued. On 23 October 2025, the Administrative Court in Stockholm examined permissible sales hours in the light of local conditions, and granted permits for the sale of spirits also on non‑holiday Saturdays from 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. and on Sundays and public holidays from 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Swedish alcohol producers have long advocated for permission to sell their beverages on site, despite the State monopoly on retail sales. As of June this year, on‑site sales at producers’ premises have been permitted, at least for a six‑year trial period. This permission is subject to numerous requirements, including restrictions related to the point of sale. The first court judgments have now been issued clarifying the interpretation of some of these requirements.

In both cases, the Social Welfare Committee of the City of Stockholm granted permits for on‑site sales of spirits on weekdays (excluding public holidays) between 10.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. and on non‑holiday Saturdays between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. The applications were refused to the extent they sought sales on Saturdays from 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. and on Sundays and public holidays from 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., citing alcohol policy concerns. On that basis, the opening hours were aligned with Systembolaget’s hours.

In its rulings, the Court emphasised that, under the Swedish Alcohol Act, municipalities must conduct an case-by-case assessment of sales hours based on local circumstances, with particular regard to risks to public order, sobriety and public health. General references to alcohol policy, uncertainty about future consumption or a general desire to keep hours in line with Systembolaget (the State alcohol retail monopoly) are insufficient grounds to restrict opening hours.

The Court further noted that the purpose of permitting on‑site sales at producers’ premises is to promote the local visitor economy. For that reason, limitations have been introduced to ensure that the visitor experience—rather than alcohol sales—remains central. For example, sales may only be made to consumers participating in an educational visitor arrangement, and the quantity that may be sold to any individual consumer is limited. In the Court’s view, this indicates that such sales will occur under relatively controlled conditions. The absence of concrete complaints, remarks or public‑order issues—as well as the absence of any objections from the Police Authority —was therefore significant. Proximity to schools and youth centres was not a decisive factor, as the hours under review fell outside regular school activities and there was no evidence of exposure or related issues in the area.

These judgments, the first of their kind, were not appealed. Therefore, it can be concluded that these judgements indicates that any Swedish municipality that declines to grant requested opening hours for on‑site sales at producers’ premises will need to provide a concrete justification, demonstrating how granting the application in full would pose detriments to public order and sobriety, or a particular risk to human health.

Setterwalls continues to monitor developments and is available for questions regarding on‑site sales of alcoholic beverages at producers’ premises in Sweden.