Nordic alcohol monopolies: executive summary
Abstract
The Nordic alcohol retail monopolies are State-owned enterprises in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands (a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark), exclusively authorized to handle the retail sale of alcoholic beverages, with the exception of certain lower-alcohol products. Integrated into the national alcohol strategies of their respective countries, these monopolies prioritize considerations of health and well-being, aiming to minimize alcohol-related harm in the supply and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Unlike other retail outlets, they operate without a profit motive, focusing primarily on public health and welfare. The technical report on which this executive summary is based outlines the core principles of the Nordic alcohol monopolies, explains their role within comprehensive alcohol policy approaches, examines their significance for public health in Europe, and discusses key challenges these monopolies face in the current context.Citation
World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. (2025). Nordic alcohol monopolies: executive summary. World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/380178. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
Description
13 p.Document number
WHO/EURO:2025-10431-50203-77026 (PDF)WHO/EURO:2025-10431-50203-77027 (print)