The Systembolaget store in Strömstad, Sweden, will remain closed on Maundy Thursday (Skärtorsdagen) this year, according to reports from P4 Väst. The closure comes at the request of both local police and Strömstad Municipality, who aim to reduce the risk of public intoxication and disturbances during the traditional Norwegian holiday celebration known as "Rännaredagen."
Maundy Thursday is a public holiday in Norway, and the "Rännaredagen" tradition typically brings large numbers of celebration-seeking Norwegians across the border to the Swedish town of Strömstad. Authorities have requested the alcohol monopoly store's closure to prevent excessive drinking and maintain public order during the festivities.
This is not the first time Systembolaget has closed its Strömstad location for this reason. According to reports, the store remained closed during the period between 2012 and 2022, with the exception of the pandemic years when the border with Norway was closed. In recent years, the store had remained open, but authorities have now requested the closure resume for this year's celebrations.