Krav vid tillfälligt serveringstillstånd: lämplighet, plats, ordning och personal
Requirements for a temporary serving permit: suitability, location, order and staff The requirements for a temporary serving permit have changed in 2026. Here is an updated overview of what the municipality considers – and what is no longer required. New in 2026: food requirement removed The Riksdag has decided to abolish the requirement for food […]
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Requirements for a temporary serving permit: suitability, location, order and staff
The requirements for a temporary serving permit have changed in 2026. Here is an updated overview of what the municipality considers – and what is no longer required.
New in 2026: food requirement removed
The Riksdag has decided to abolish the requirement for food service and a private kitchen for a service permit. The change came into force on 1 June 2026 and also applies to temporary permits. At the same time, the rules on seating and limited space for drink bars were removed. However, the government has made it clear that all other requirements in the Alcohol Act still apply to those applying for a temporary permit.
Requirement 1: Personal and financial suitability
The municipality will investigate whether you – and people with significant influence in the company or association – are suitable to operate a catering business. This includes checking:
- any crime, via the police,
- debts and tax payments, via the Swedish Tax Agency and the Enforcement Service,
- that the money that finances the business has a known and legal source,
- previous experience of mismanagement or bankruptcies.
Requirement 2: Knowledge of alcohol law
As a general rule, you must demonstrate your knowledge by passing the knowledge test . When granting permission for a closed group, the municipality may make exceptions in certain cases.
Requirement 3: Right to use the location
You will need a rental, right of use or lease agreement for the premises or space, as well as a drawing where the serving area is clearly marked. The serving area should be delimited and clearly visible to the staff.
Requirement 4: Order and security
The municipality, the police and the emergency services assess whether the service can take place without causing any inconvenience. At events , requirements are often set for:
- security guards in sufficient numbers,
- fire safety, emergency exits and maximum number of visitors,
- enough toilets,
- consideration for nearby residents, for example noise,
- that the sale is reported to the municipality afterwards.
Requirement 5: Staff and service responsibility
A person responsible for serving who is registered with the municipality must be on site during the entire serving time. Staff must be able to refuse service to underage and noticeably impaired guests. Many municipalities require training in responsible alcohol serving at major events or extended serving hours. A clear Personnel & Alcohol Policy helps staff to act correctly.
Requirement 6: Beverage selection and serving times
- Alcohol-free alternatives should always be available.
- Serving hours are normally 11:00–01:00 unless the municipality decides otherwise.
- The permit only applies to the drinks and times stated in the decision.
If you still serve food
Even though the food requirement has been removed for the serving permit, food legislation still applies when you handle food. Register your business with the municipality’s environmental administration and ensure that your staff has knowledge of food hygiene, for example via the Basic Course in Food Hygiene .
Checklist before application
| Claim | Clear? |
|---|---|
| Correct permission type selected (public / closed society) | ☐ |
| Agreement for premises or land | ☐ |
| Drawing with marked serving area | ☐ |
| Information about owners, board and financing | ☐ |
| Catering managers appointed | ☐ |
| Order and security plan (at events) | ☐ |
| Non-alcoholic options in the beverage selection | ☐ |
| Prepared for the knowledge test | ☐ |
Once everything is in place, you are ready to apply .
| DO YOU WANT TO BE SURE THAT YOU MEET THE REQUIREMENTS?
We review your business, prepare the documents and handle contact with the municipality. |
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to serve food to get a temporary serving permit?
No. Since June 1, 2026, there is no requirement for food service or a private kitchen, neither for permanent nor temporary service permits.
What is meant by suitability?
The municipality assesses whether the applicant pays taxes and fees, has no serious criminal record, and can demonstrate that the business is financed with money from a known and legal source.
Does a service manager have to be on site?
Yes. The permit holder or a registered service manager must be present during the entire service period.
Are security guards required?
It depends on the size of the event and the municipality’s guidelines. This is common for larger events open to the public.
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