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Alcohol and Sweden... |
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Alcohol is freely available in bars, restaurants and clubs throughout Sweden. It is usually quite expensive. It is the one aspect of Sweden where prices have not reduced in line with other products. You have to be 20 years of age or older to purchase alcohol. You will be asked for ID if you are young. All Swedes carry a government ID card. A pint of Guiness or a glass of wine will cost around 52 Skr. That's about £4.00 GBP. If you are on a reduced budget you will be better
going for a Swedish lager beer. Typically you would order a "Stor
Stark", literally a "large strong" beer of about 5% alcohol. If you
are in a larger city or town you can hunt around for special offers.
You can get this 0.5 litre beer for around 25 SKr (about £2.00 GBP). If you like to buy alcohol for consumption at home, you have two choices. Go to a local supermarket where they are allowed to stock beer only! With a maximum alcohol strength of 3.5%. If you require wines or spirits you will have to visit a Systembolaget. This is a state run alcohol shop. They vary in size, and there are basically self service or order at a counter. They are generally open Monday - Friday from 10.00am to 18.00pm. On Saturday from 10.00am to 13.00pm. Closed on Sundays. Though the Systembolaget shops vary in size. They do have an excellent choice of beer, wines and spirits from around the world. Bottles of wine can be purchased from 36 SKr, less than £3.00 GBP a bottle. Very similar to the UK. The self-service Systembolaget stores are just like a supermarket. They accept credit cards. The order at counter stores require you to write down the product code from a in store catalogue or display item. Select a couple alternatives, just in case they don't stock that item. They also work on a ticket system. So when you enter the store press the button to get a ticket. The number of the next person being served is displayed above the counters. Don't forget your ticket or you won't get served! Also bear in mind that Systembolaget stores can get very busy. Especially after work or Saturday morning. You may find yourself in a queue of dozens of people! So try and go when people are usually at work.
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