Bag ban at major events – questions and answers
Based on the terror threat level, the Swedish Police Authority may decide to ban bags at major events in Sweden.
Since 1 November 2023, terms and conditions that apply to bags and other items can be notified in connection with permits and notification of events. The purpose of the bag ban is to ensure order and safety for visitors at events. Below you will find the most common questions and answers for you as a visitor or organizer.
For organisers
Which events are affected by the bag ban?
The bag ban is intended to be applied during major events in Sweden that require a permit or should be notified to the Police. Most public events fall under this category. The Police can impose conditions for these kinds of events.
A complete bag ban can be imposed on the following types of events, among others:
- Major sporting events
- Major concerts and festivals
- All events at the national team level
Exceptions are made for persons who need to bring a bag into the public event or public gathering for medical reasons and for people with children who need to bring a nappy bag.
To some events it is permitted to bring a bag.
The specific circumstances for each event decide which restrictions should be imposed. This means that sometimes it might not be necessary to apply the bag ban. In those cases, the Police can choose to allow bags that are no bigger than 40x40x20 cm (height x width x depth).
For some types of events, the Police can make the assessment that there is no need for a bag ban at all, e.g. at demonstrations.
If you are an organiser and not sure how the bag ban will affect your event, you can contact the Police. As an organiser of an event, you have the possibility to take further measures than the restrictions imposed by the Police.
Which events are regarded as major?
There is no explicit limit in terms of the number of participants. The Police will examine each event application separately. The Police will notify the organiser of the conditions that will apply for that specific event.
Which events do not require a permit or a notification?
Film screenings, theatre shows and certain concerts do not always require a permit or a notification to the Police. The Police will evaluate if you need to apply for a permit or notify your event. The evaluation is based on the number of participants, the risk of public order disturbances and if the event will jeopardise public safety, among other things.
When did the Police introduce the bag ban?
On 1 November 2023.
What applies to organisers that received their permit before 1 November?
Organisers that received a permit or a notification certificate for an event before 1 November are not affected by the bag ban. The conditions that apply to your event are indicated on your permit or notification certificate.
How will the bags be stored?
There is nothing preventing the organisers from storing the visitors’ bags during the event. However, the storage space has to be separate from the location where the public gathering or public event takes place. This means that a wardrobe located at the same place as the event cannot be used for this.
What happens if you breach the bag ban?
It can be considered a violation of the Public Order Act on the organiser’s part.
Can you appeal the bag ban?
Yes, the organiser can appeal the bag ban to the administrative court. In the permit decision or notification certificate you can find information on how to appeal.
For visitors
Who is included in the bag ban at an event?
The bag ban applies to every visitor to an event that requires a permit or a notification to the Police.
How will I, as a visitor, know which conditions apply?
It is the organisers’ responsibility to inform their visitors about the conditions that apply for the specific event.
What applies to children’s nappy bags?
Exceptions are made for persons with children who need to bring a nappy bag. The nappy bag will be checked by the competent staff at the entrance.
Where can I store my bag?
The organiser has the possibility to offer bag storage. The storage will be outside the venue/location where the event takes place.
What happens if I get caught with a bag?
It is up to the organiser to decide how this will affect you as a visitor.
Are all types of bags, such as purses, included in the bag ban?
No, there are exceptions: Exceptions are made for persons who need to bring a bag into the public event/ public gathering for medical reasons. There are also exceptions for persons with children who need to bring a nappy bag. The permitted bags will be checked by the competent staff at the entrance.
Wallets and small toiletry bags are not included in the ban.
Are plastic bags and transparent bags included in the bag ban?
Yes, plastic bags and transparent bags are included in the bag ban.
What are medical reasons?
This is up to the organiser to decide at the entrance.
What about the souvenirs that are sold at the event, can I carry them?
Yes, that is allowed.
Does the bag ban apply to journalists that are covering an event?
No, journalists in active service are not included in the ban.
About the conditions
Why was the bag ban not introduced until November?
The terror threat level was raised in August and has not changed. The Police have identified the need to continuously adapt the safety measures in society, e.g. in connection with concerts and sporting events that gather a lot of people.
What legal basis do the Police have to impose a bag ban?
According to the Public Order Act, the Police can impose conditions regarding public order and safety (Chapter 2, Section 16 of the Public Order Act). This means that when someone applies for a permit to organise a public gathering or event, the Police can establish conditions for the gathering/event if it is considered necessary to maintain order and safety. For example, a condition for organising the event can be the use of security guards, to delimit areas inside the venue or restrictions on what can be brought into the gathering or the event.
Why don’t the Police search the visitors’ bags instead?
Many organisers are already searching bags before their events, but based on the increased terror threat level, the Police consider that a bag ban may be required.