A (usually) good-natured rivalry exists between different nations. Thus the Danes crack jokes at the expense of the Swedes, who are subject to a state-owned alcohol monopoly. A government-owned chain of off-licences called Systembolaget is the only retailer allowed to sell drinks that contain more than 3.5 per cent alcohol; it is forbidden from offering cheap deals or selling in bulk and is governed by strict opening hours, which means the shutters go down at 6pm on weekdays and 3pm on Saturdays, and stay shut until Monday morning. As a result, thirsty Swedes drive over the border to buy booze, where they are perceived as lightweights who can’t cope with strong Danish lager and fall over after two beers.