The Gothenburg 'system' began when the city of Gothenburg established a licensing company to be able to operate public houses in the city. Its goal was to redirect the profit of liquor sales to public purposes and to eliminate private economic interests. In the 1860s, driven by local initiatives, the Gothenburg system spreads and other companies based on the same principle are put in place. In 1877, Sweden's capital city incorporate the system, which ultimately leads to a decrease in alcohol abuse. In 1905, the Gothenburg system is validated at the national level when the Swedish parliament makes it mandatory and solidifies it as the established method of alcohol control.
Source: Austin, G. A. et al. (1979). Perspectives on the history of psychoactive substance use. NIDA.
| Drugs: | Alcohol |
|---|---|
| Regions: | Sweden |
| Topics: | Taxation and regulation |