To Be Or Not To Be

"To be or not to be"

- an essay on the advisability of abolishing Systembolaget

The existence of the state-owned Systembolaget is a highly contested issue in Sweden. I belong to the, in my opinion, "sensible people" who believe that it is of great essence in a democratic nation that open competition is encouraged!

Therefor I also support those who believe that Systembolaget must be abolished.

The government, and others who is in favour of its existence, claims that Systembolaget is crucial for our wellbeing, that it upholds the public health.

I think it does the opposite! First of all I do not believe that people are imbeciles, I do not agree with those who think that people will consume more alcohol just because they can use their free will and purchase it at more place than one. Second of all I think the main purpose of Systembolaget is to generate money to the state's finances. Why else would one combine sales monopoly and campaigns proclaiming the negative effects of alcohol in Sweden with extensive, not to mention expensive, marketing in other countries for the company Vin & Sprit? For example, Absolut Vodka commercials can be seen all over the world.

In addition, I think that Systembolaget's alleged concern for the public health rhymes bad with the launch of alcoholic beverages in Sweden that, as I believe, are directly aimed at young people. For example "AlkolÐ"¤sk" which is a beverage that taste sweet and "soft drink like" in order to appeal to the youth. Furthermore, Systembolaget has extended its opening hours, now you can buy alcohol as late as eight in the evening. It has also extended the amount of days that it is open, now alcohol is available on Saturdays as well.

When the open competition is forced to stand aside in favour for state monopoly it is