Czynniki kształtujące szwedzki rynek alkoholowy w warunkach zmian monopolu państwowego

Abstract

Introduction: The social costs of alcohol consumption in Sweden are still a challenge for alcohol policy. The privileges of the alcohol monopoly ‘Systembolaget’ established in 1950s of twentienth century have been gradually stepped back since Sweden's access to the EU. The author's aim is to verify the thesis of the complementary character of instruments for affecting the alcohol market (i.e. the regulatory and allocation policy) under conditions of the internal and external pressures on the Swedish monopoly. Method: The methodology involves a critical study of recent literature works and legal documents as well as an analysis of statistical data. Results: While effectively restricting the physical availability of alcohol, the monopoly succeeded also in shaping social attitudes to alcohol consumption. Regulations of excise duty rates and social campaigns made it possible for ‘Systembolaget’ to promote moderate alcohol consumption and effectively encourage the use of wine instead of other alcohol types. Discussion: The undertaken analysis opens the way to a discussion on the possible effects of demonopolisation. Along with concerns regarding age limits controls in a free market model, an important argument against the abolition of ‘Systembolaget’ is its potential in meeting consumer expectations and shaping public opinion. Conclusions: The thesis of the complementary character of alcohol policy instruments can be verified positively. Liberal tendencies in EU regulations make the allocative policy, with support of regulatory policy, a natural way to stabilise the monopoly's market share. Its publicity campaigns can be a lesson for countries with more liberal alcohol policies, including Poland