Vice Squad

Explorations of public policy concerning alcohol, nicotine, other drugs, prostitution, gambling, pornography, ....

Thursday, March 31, 2005

Sweden Supports Its Alcohol Monopoly
- posted by Jim Leitzel @ 5:15 PM

Systembolaget, the Swedish state-run alcohol monopolist, has endured a recent corruption scandal and the loss of many of its customers to cheaper, personally-imported alcohol from places such as Estonia. And it has done so while still gaining the support of the majority of Swedes, according to a recent poll. Presumably the implementation of the proposed alcohol tax cut would add to Systembolaget's popularity. The monopoly is already unpopular with 18 and 19 years old, who might lose their right to drink if a proposal to raise the drinking age also is implemented.