Rumstilldelning

Rumstilldelning, also known as rum rationing, was a system implemented in Sweden during World War II to control the consumption of alcohol, particularly rum. The initiative was part of a broader effort to conserve resources and manage the economy during the war years. The Swedish government introduced rumstilldelning in 1941, aiming to reduce the consumption of rum, which was a popular and widely available spirit at the time.

The system involved the distribution of rum through a network of state-controlled stores. Each household was allocated a specific amount of rum per month, based on factors such as the number of adults in the household and their age. The allocation was designed to ensure that rum was available for essential purposes, such as medicinal use, while limiting its consumption for recreational purposes.

Rumstilldelning was a controversial measure, as it restricted the freedom of individuals to consume alcohol as they wished. Critics argued that the system was unfair and discriminatory, as it disproportionately affected lower-income households and those who relied on rum for medicinal purposes. Despite these criticisms, the government maintained the system throughout the war, citing the need to conserve resources and manage the economy.

In 1945, after the war had ended, rumstilldelning was abolished, and the free sale of alcohol was restored. The experience of rumstilldelning in Sweden has been studied by economists and sociologists, who have analyzed the impact of the system on alcohol consumption, the economy, and social attitudes towards alcohol. The legacy of rumstilldelning continues to be a topic of debate and discussion in Sweden.