- We are facing a situation that risks becoming night black, says Prime Minister Stefan Löfven at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Stefan Löfven, the spread of infection is now increasing rapidly and the number of sick and dead can rise significantly if the infection is not stopped.
- We risk getting the situation we had last spring, Löfven continues.
The government has therefore decided to ban the sale and serving of alcohol from 22.00 from 20 November until February next year.
The ban applies to all businesses with serving permits such as bars, restaurants and pubs.
The ban also means that all businesses that serve alcohol will be forced to close no later than 10.30 pm.
"Alcohol can lead to poor judgment"
According to Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren, bars, restaurants and other bars are particularly vulnerable environments when it comes to the spread of infection.
- Alcohol can lead to poorer judgment and that one neglects to keep your distance, she says and adds that she assumes that everyone takes their responsibility and follows the infection control recommendations in the country's respective counties.
She also states that the government does not hesitate to introduce new restrictions if needed.
- We intend to use all the tools that the law gives us, she says.
The article is updated.