IOGT-NTO: Vote No to farm sales to protect public health
- Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
- 13 minutes ago
- 1 min read
22.04.2025 - Tomorrow, the Swedish parliament will vote on farm sales of alcohol, a decision that threatens to abolish the Swedish alcohol monopoly and open up private alcohol sales. The proposal violates EU law and will lead to the loss of Systembolagets exclusive rights.
"Introducing farm sales is gambling with people's lives and health. If the monopoly falls, Sweden's strongest protection against the harmful effects of alcohol will also fall," says Lucas Nilsson, Chairman of IOGT-NTO.
Systembolaget is a cornerstone of Swedish alcohol policy. By limiting availability and profit interests, consumption is reduced, along with the risk of addiction, violence, accidents, and several alcohol-related diseases, such as cancer. It's estimated that Systembolaget saves 1,500 lives every year.
"The parliament has a choice: stand up for people's health or give in to profit interests. A yes to farm sales is a yes to a society where more people suffer. We have a system that saves lives – it deserves to be defended," concludes Lucas Nilsson.