Alcoholic beverages in Sweden
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Alcoholic beverages are as common in Sweden as in most of the western world. Sweden is historically part of the vodka belt, with high consumption of distilled beverages and binge drinking, but during the 20th century, habits have been harmonized with western Europe, with increasing popularity of wine.
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[edit] Beverages and brands
The main Swedish specialty is brännvin (literally "burn-wine") - liquor distilled from fermented grain or potatoes. Vodka is the highest grade of brännvin, with brands like Absolut Vodka and Explorer Vodka. Lower-grade brännvin seasoned with herbs is known as akvavit. This is usually drunk as a snaps, also known as nubbe - a small shot glass to a traditional meal (especially pickled herring).
Lager beer is the most popular beer, both to meals and in bars. In restaurants it is usually served as a stor stark (literally "big strong") - a glass containing 0,4 litres (formerly 0,5 litres).
[edit] History
Since prehistory, beer has been the staple beverage in Sweden, drunk in extreme quantities to balance the salty food - pickled herring was the major staple food for most people. Mead was a common delicacy. Distilling was introduced in the 15th century. Prohibition against production and/or sale of brännvin - distilled alcohol - has been enforced during some periods.
As Sweden was industrialized and urbanized during the 19th century, and industrially produced brännvin became more available, and alcohol problems increased. The temperance movement rose, and since 1905, government has a monopoly on sales of liquor. The Swedish prohibition referendum in 1922 resulted in continued sales of alcohol. A rationing system, kalled Brattsystemet or motbok, was used until 1955. As Sweden entered the EU, import regulations were relaxed.
[edit] Regulation
Sweden has a government alcohol monopoly called Systembolaget for all beverages stronger than 3,5% by volume. Minimum purchase age at Systembolaget is 20 years. Beverages in the range from 2,25% to 3,5% (mostly beer, called "class II" or "Folköl" (Peoples beer)), is sold in regular stores, but with the minimum purchase age of 18. Restaurants and bars with proper permission can serve alcohol to anyone who is at least 18.
The import quota from other EU countries is generous.
Limited rations of duty free shopping is allowed on the ferries between Sweden and Finland, provided they dock at Åland, which is a free trade zone.
Moonshining is common, especially in rural areas.
[edit] Temperance movement
The temperance movement is strong in Sweden, especially in agricultural areas, and often connected with the "free churches" (non-conformists, that is non-Lutheran Protestants). The Straight Edge movement spread among Swedish youth in the 1990s.
[edit] Etiquette
Most Swedes have zero tolerance against drunkenness at work and in traffic. Drinking during lunchtime in workdays - even one beer - is taboo, and a public official sentenced for drunk driving is usually expected to resign. Most drinking takes place in weekends and during holidays.
[edit] See also
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