Interesting update on my previous thoughts about state monopolies on the sale of alcohol.
There was a report commissioned in Sweden on relaxing these laws whose results were reported in just-drinks recently, entitled; “End Systembolaget control, more drinkers will die – study” (here is the link, but I think it may be subscriber only)
“A report by the country’s National Institute of Public Health warned yesterday (28 August) that alcohol consumption would rise by 14% if sales were allowed only in privately licensed speciality stores, and by 29% if sales were permitted across the country’s grocery channel.
…
The institute warned in the report that “With grocery stores, the estimated additional annual toll would be 1,580 deaths, 14,200 assaults and 16.1m days of sick leave, a 40% increase”“
Not scaremongering then!
It just so happens that it makes loads of money for the state and, as with any bureaucracy, would resist the change.
