New rules on sale of alcohol as Sweden fights virus

Sweden has banned the sale of alcohol after 10pm in bars, restaurants and night clubs in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Swedish government said that all places with permission to serve alcohol must close 30 minutes after 10pm, and described these places — particularly bars and night clubs — as "risk environments."

However, on Friday, local media reported several bars in Stockholm closing only temporarily, reopening shortly afterwards and selling nonalcoholic drinks.

Earlier this week, the Swedish capital reintroduced a ban on visiting elderly care homes after a coronavirus spike was reported in retirement facilities in Stockholm.

Sweden, which has opted to keep parts of its society open, in September lifted a national ban on visiting elderly care homes, saying the need for the restrictions had decreased.

Overall, the country of 10 million has now reported more than 6,400 deaths and 208,000 virus cases since the start of the pandemic.