Max at Medborgarplatsen in central Stockholm wants to serve strong beer to its guests but faces double opposition. Both the local district administration and the police do not think it is a good idea. In a previous attempt elsewhere, the answer was also no.

The restaurant at Medborgarplatsen is Max’s largest and one of the newest; it opened just before the pandemic hit. The premises have 260 seats, 60 seats on the rooftop terrace, and a small outdoor seating area.

Medborgarplatsen is a lively area with a lot of people moving about, and the restaurant is well-visited.

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Now, they want to expand the menu with alcohol. The serving license they have applied for would be valid from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sundays to Tuesdays.

The application has been sent for referral, and the district administration rejects it out of concern that there are too many children and young people in the area. They argue that the risk of young people being served alcohol by mistake, or having it bought for them, is too great.

Open drug scene

The police would also prefer not to see the sale of alcohol as the restaurant is located in what they call an open drug scene.

– Instinctively, we do not think it’s a good idea. Around Medis and Björn’s trädgård, we have a concentration of violent and drug-related crimes. I think we will recommend a denial. If they get a permit, we will want them to have security guards like other places that serve alcohol, says community police officer Anders Lindberg to Mitt i.

In 2019, they tried to get a serving license in Skellefteå but were denied. However, alcohol can be sold at Arlanda Airport.

The final decision will be made by the social committee.

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