This article reconstructs the historical trajectory of the Swedish alcohol policy field from 1855 to 1995. Contrary to prevailing interpretations portraying the Swedish state as a paternalistic actor who dominated the field for the well-being of its citizens, the study offers a more nuanced understanding. Drawing on Strategic Action Field theory, it reveals a field shaped by emergence, stability, and transformation, driven by ongoing conflicts among temperance movements, political parties, municipalitis and market actors who, at various points, contested state dominance and challenged its status quo. Regulatory changes were also influenced by broader market, political and socio-cultural developments in Swedish society. The article makes two theoretical contributions: it shows the importance of embeddedness in field formation as an enabler of cyclical change; it uncovers the multifaceted nature of the state in policy making, managing field relationships, and adapting to institutional pressures. The article concludes by tracing direction for further studies.