Finland is easing restrictions on the sale of alcohol

On Tuesday, the Finnish Parliament passed a law easing restrictions on the sale of alcohol, including permission to sell alcohol on Sundays and to order home delivery from shops, restaurants and online retailers.

The right-wing government, which has been in power since 2023, had promised to simplify the sale of alcohol, in order to comply with European Union legislation and enable Finnish distributors to sell alcohol abroad.

However, this draft bill, first tabled in 2024, was the subject of lengthy debates in parliament, with critics arguing that relaxing strict alcohol laws would encourage drunkenness and pose a threat to public health.

On Tuesday, 98 members of parliament voted in favour of the bill, whilst 77 voted against it.

Under Finnish alcohol legislation, only the state-owned monopoly „Alko“ is permitted to sell spirits, wine, beer or cider with an alcohol content exceeding eight per cent. An exception applies to licensed restaurants, provided the drinks are consumed on the premises, whilst supermarkets and other shops may sell drinks with a low alcohol content.

However, ‘Alko’ shops will now be able to open on Sundays, and opening hours will be extended from 7 pm to 9 pm every day of the week.

‘Alko’ will also be able to offer delivery services, just like supermarkets and restaurants, although for the time being this will be limited to drinks with an alcohol content of less than 8 per cent.

Customers will now also be able to order goods from online shops based in other European Economic Area (EEA) countries, although „Alko“ will remain the only physical shop selling spirits.

The Finnish Association for the Prevention of Substance Abuse (EHYT) has condemned these changes, describing them as “harmful to public health and the country’s economy”.

„Profits from alcohol sales flow abroad, whilst the harm and associated costs remain in Finland“, said Juha Mikkonen, director of EHYT.