Beer classification in Sweden and Finland

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The beer classification in Sweden and Finland sorts beers into classes based on their alcohol content. The classes vary slightly between the two countries.

Contents 1 Finland 2 Sweden 3 References 4 See also

[edit] Finland

While previously enforced by law, the beer class legislation was repealed in 1995 with the accession of Finland into the European Union and the consequent harmonization of tax law, and is now merely kept as a convention.^[1] However, drinks containing under 2.8% alcohol (Class I) are still favorably taxed, and the retail sale of any drinks containing more than 4.7% alcohol (Class IV) is still limited to state retailer Alko.

	alcohol content (ABV)	available in pubs	available in supermarkets	notes
Class I	0.0% - 2.8%	yes	yes	no alcohol retail license necessary, can be sold to the underaged
Class II	2.8% – 3.7%	yes	yes	never used in practice
Class III	3.7% - 4.6%	yes	yes	the most popular beer type
Class IVA	4.7% - 5.2%	yes	no	prohibitively taxed before 1995 and largely limited to export sales
Class IVB	5.2% - 8.0%	yes	no	prohibitively taxed before 1995

[edit] Sweden

Only classes I and II can be purchased in supermarkets, while class III through V can only be purchased in places licensed to do so, such as pubs.

	alcohol content (ABV)	available in pubs	available in supermarkets
Class I	0.0% - 2.0%	yes	yes
Class II	2.0% - 3.5%	yes	yes
Class III	3.5% - 5.5%	yes	no
Class IV	5.5% - 7.0%	yes	no
Class V	7.0% & above	yes	no

[edit] References

1. ^ Viisi Tähteä - Oluiden luokittelu ja oluttyypit

[edit] See also

• Low-alcohol beer