Drinking age and alcohol sales in Sweden (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Alcohol may not be sold to anyone under 20, except folköl (up to 3.5% alcohol), which has an age limit of 18. Serving in licensed premises is allowed from 18. Retail sale of spirits, wine and strong beer is limited to the state-owned retail company.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol20 years [1]
Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol20 years [1]
Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcoholAlcohol may not be given, lent or offered to anyone under 20 (folköl: under 18). It is allowed to offer a small amount to a person below the age limit if it is drunk on the spot under orderly conditions and is defensible given the young person's age and development and the circumstances. In licensed premises the age limit of 18 for being served applies. [1]
Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol⚠ Not yet verified
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcoholRetail sale of spirits, wine, strong beer and other fermented drinks may be carried out only by the state-owned retail company. Folköl may be sold in food shops that have notified the municipality. Alcohol may not be handed out to someone visibly affected by alcohol or drugs, or where it is likely to be passed on illegally, and it is forbidden to buy alcohol as a proxy for someone not entitled to it. [1]

Notes

  • Applies to wine and strong beer (above 3.5% by volume). Folköl (above 2.25 and up to 3.5% by volume) may be sold to people aged 18 or over. Serving at licensed premises is allowed from 18 for all alcoholic drinks.
  • Sale of spirits in shops is limited to the state-owned retail company, which applies the 20-year limit. Serving in licensed premises is allowed from 18.
  • Section 9, paragraphs 2 and 3.
  • The Alcohol Act text read does not address drinking in public places; local public order rules were not checked.
  • The law text consulted is Alkohollag (2010:1622) as amended to SFS 2026:511.

Sources

  1. Sveriges riksdag: Alkohollag (2010:1622) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.