SWEDEN: No tax cuts on horizon - reports

By Alan Osborn | 14 November 2003

The prospect of tax cuts for alcohol sold in Sweden were dealt a blow yesterday, despite a similar move in Denmark, when Prime Minister Goran Persson said neither alcohol market deregulation, nor alcohol excise duty reduction will be carried out in the country in the coming years.

The Swedish press said that Persson considers it a detrimental move for the country to privatise either the state-owned drinks producer Vin & Sprit or alcohol retailing monopoly Systembolaget.

The Swedish government considers it its role to keep a strong control over the consumption of alcohol in the country. Persson fears that privatisation of the drinks companies would lead to an aggressive marketing environment and increased consumption.

Sectors: Beer & cider, Spirits, Wine