SWEDEN: High prices fail to curb alcohol consumption

Sweden's high alcohol prices and taxes are failing to curb excessive drinking and have caused the Government to "lose control" of parts of the industry, the Swedish Retail Institute has warned. 

The report, commissioned by trade body Brewers of Europe, found that young Swedes have greater access to alcohol today than before EU entry in 1995.
Within the EU, Swedish consumers import unlimited amounts of duty paid alcohol for personal use from lower duty jurisdictions and a black market has grown, the Retail Institute said.

"The availability of alcohol to young people is greater than ever before and criminal organisations have gained a hold on alcohol distribution," it said.

"To say that the Swedish authorities have lost control over a large part of the alcohol trade is, thus, hardly an exaggeration."

It added alcohol consumption in Sweden has risen 30% over the last 15 years.