What is "systembolaget"

Systembolaget —colloquially known as systemet ("the system") or bolaget ("the company"); literal English translation: the System Company—is a government owned chain of liquor stores in Sweden. It is the only retail store allowed to sell alcoholic beverages that contain more than 3.5% alcohol by volume. Systembolaget also sells non alcoholic beverages, although this product segment represents less than half a percent of the total sales of beverages. To buy alcoholic beverages at Systembolaget one has to be 20 years of age or older. At Swedish restaurants and bars the legal age to buy alcoholic beverages is 18 years (though bars and clubs may voluntarily set an age limit higher than 18 if they prefer).