Tillfälligt serveringstillstånd till allmänheten eller slutet sällskap – vad är skillnaden?
Temporary public service permit or private party permit – what’s the difference? One of the most common mistakes when applying for a temporary catering permit is choosing the wrong permit type. This can lead to rejection, expensive supplements, or serving without a valid permit. Here we go over the differences and how to determine what […]
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Temporary public service permit or private party permit – what’s the difference?
One of the most common mistakes when applying for a temporary catering permit is choosing the wrong permit type. This can lead to rejection, expensive supplements, or serving without a valid permit. Here we go over the differences and how to determine what applies to your event.
What is considered a closed society?
A closed society is a group that is separated from the general public. Municipalities usually assess three things:
- Limited circle – participants are known in advance, for example through membership, employment or personal invitation.
- Common interest – the group has a common purpose beyond eating and drinking together.
- No open sales – tickets are not sold to just anyone, and it is not possible to buy your way in at the door.
Typical closed groups are association members at an anniversary party, employees at a staff party, guests at a wedding or participants at a conference.
What counts as serving to the public?
As soon as the event is open to anyone – with or without an entrance fee – the service is considered to be provided to the public. This also applies if you sell tickets in advance online, as anyone can buy them. Examples include festivals and events , concerts, markets, sporting events and open fairs.
Comparison: public vs. closed society
| To the public | Until the end company | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can participate? | Anyone | A predetermined circuit |
| Typical examples | Festival, concert, town square party, fair | Company party, association party, wedding |
| Knowledge test | Normally required | Not always required – the municipality decides |
| Fee (example) | Often several thousand kronor, sometimes over 10,000 kronor | Often a few hundred to a couple of thousand kronor |
| Processing time | Often 4–8 weeks or more | Often 2–4 weeks |
| Referrals | Police, rescue services, environment, etc. | Fewer, if necessary |
| Security guards | Often required at larger events | Rarely |
The levels vary between municipalities. See our overview of fees and processing times for more details.
When is no permit needed at all?
If you offer a pre-determined group of people drinks on a single occasion, without a profit motive and in a venue where alcohol is not sold commercially, you do not need a serving permit. As soon as the guests pay more than the purchase price – or if drinks are included in a ticket or envelope price – a permit is required. Read more about what applies to weddings and parties .
Gray areas that often lead to errors
Corporate events with external guests
A customer evening where guests are personally invited can be considered a closed party. If the invitation is spread openly on social media and anyone can register, it is usually considered a public event.
Associations with open membership recruitment
If you can become a member at the door that same evening, the society is not closed. The municipality is looking into how and when the membership arose.
Online ticket sales
Open ticket sales almost always mean serving to the public, even if the number of seats is limited.
How to choose the right state
- Ask yourself if anyone can participate. If yes: permission to the public.
- If no: can you show a guest list, membership register or staff list? Then a closed group is likely.
- Do you charge for drinks directly or indirectly? A permit is required, regardless of the type.
- If you are unsure – contact the municipality or an advisor before applying for a temporary serving permit .
Regardless of the type, you must meet the requirements for suitability, and when serving to the public, a passed knowledge test is normally required .
| UNSURE WHAT TYPE OF PERMIT YOU NEED?
Describe your arrangement to us and we will let you know which permit applies, what it costs and how long it will take – free of charge. |
Frequently asked questions
Is a wedding a closed society?
Yes, a wedding with invited guests is normally considered a closed party. A permit is required if guests pay for drinks or if the service takes place in a premises that sells alcohol commercially.
Can a staff party with each be considered a closed group?
Yes, as long as the guests are determined in advance and connected to the defined circle, for example employees and their invitees respectively.
Is a knowledge test required for closed societies?
Not always. In the case of temporary permission for a closed party, the municipality can in some cases make exceptions to the knowledge test, while it is normally required when serving to the public.
What happens if I choose the wrong permit type?
The municipality may reject the application or request additional information, which will delay the decision. If you serve without the proper permit, you risk criminal liability under the Alcohol Act.
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