Swedish prohibition referendum, 1922

Swedish Prohibition Referendum, 1922

The Swedish Prohibition Referendum, 1922 was a significant event in the history of Sweden, marking a pivotal moment in the country's approach to alcohol regulation. The referendum was held on 27th August 1922, and it was the first nationwide referendum in Sweden.

Background

The issue of alcohol consumption had been a contentious one in Sweden for many years prior to the referendum. The temperance movement in Sweden, as in many other countries, had been advocating for stricter controls on alcohol, including total prohibition. The movement gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to the call for a referendum.

The Referendum

The referendum asked the Swedish population whether they were in favor of a total prohibition on the sale of alcoholic beverages. The proposal was rejected by a majority of voters, with 51% voting against prohibition and 49% voting in favor. The turnout was high, with approximately 55% of the eligible population participating in the vote.

Aftermath

The result of the referendum led to a continuation of the existing system of alcohol control in Sweden, known as the Bratt System. This system, named after its creator Ivan Bratt, was a state-controlled method of alcohol distribution that aimed to limit consumption through regulation rather than prohibition.

Significance

The Swedish Prohibition Referendum, 1922, is often cited as a key example of the failure of prohibition policies. It demonstrated a public preference for regulation and control over outright prohibition, a lesson that has been influential in shaping alcohol policies in many countries around the world.

See also

• Alcohol law
• Prohibition
• Referendum
• Temperance movement

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