Finnish Government proposes allowing alcohol home delivery and online sales

Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen

10.10.2024 - The Finnish government has introduced a legislative proposal to amend the Alcohol Act, which would allow the delivery of alcoholic beverages directly to consumers. If passed, this change would enable the home delivery of alcohol and online sales, expanding options for purchasing alcohol in Finland.

Under the proposed amendments, alcohol could be ordered and delivered to customers from Alko, as well as from licensed retailers, kiosks, gas stations, and restaurants. The change would also allow producers of craft wines (up to 13% alcohol content) and craft beers (up to 12%) to deliver their products, provided they already have a license to sell them on-site.

"This is a moderate step towards aligning with European alcohol culture and regulations. Alcohol could be delivered to homes alongside food orders or restaurant deliveries, simplifying everyday life and reducing unnecessary regulations. However, responsibility remains a priority—alcohol deliveries would be regulated and monitored. Alcohol will not be sold or delivered to minors or intoxicated individuals," says Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Sanni Grahn-Laasonen.

New requirements for alcohol deliveries

The proposed changes introduce a new delivery license for alcoholic beverages, in addition to existing retail and serving licenses. Delivery services would also need to obtain a separate delivery permit and ensure that their employees hold a delivery pass, which certifies their understanding of regulations. Businesses offering home delivery would be required to implement self-monitoring plans to ensure compliance.

Alcohol purchased for home delivery would only be allowed between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Deliveries from Alko would have to adhere to Alko's specific business hours. As under current regulations, alcohol would still be prohibited from being sold or delivered to minors or those visibly intoxicated.

When ordering online, consumers would be required to verify their age through secure electronic identification, and the recipient's age would be checked again upon delivery. Authorities would ensure compliance through inspections, including test purchases.

The proposal also outlines specific locations where alcohol deliveries would be prohibited, such as healthcare facilities, daycare centers, schools, and youth activity spaces. Deliveries would also be banned at public gatherings and areas where the police have imposed alcohol consumption bans to maintain public order.

Legislation based on the government's program

The legislative proposal is tied to the government's 2025 budget plan, with the law intended to take effect on January 1, 2025. The implementation of delivery permits would be phased in, with full enforcement starting on June 1, 2025.

The proposal is based on a commitment in the government program: "Allow Alko and domestic licensed retailers to offer alcohol through online sales and other delivery and pickup models, while ensuring strict age control. National regulations on alcohol strength limits for craft breweries, small breweries, and farm wineries will be respected."

Public concern over monitoring and child welfare

Despite the proposed changes, there is significant public concern regarding the ability to enforce age limits and prevent alcohol sales to intoxicated individuals through home delivery services. According to a recent survey by the A-Clinic Foundation, EHYT (the Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention), and the Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters, more than 75% of respondents expressed distrust in the effectiveness of monitoring these services.

A consistent issue throughout the year, this skepticism was also reflected in a report by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) earlier in 2024, where 45% of respondents expressed doubts about supervision in alcohol home deliveries, and only 6% felt it was reliable.

Additionally, more than 70% of those surveyed believed that allowing alcohol home delivery would place increased strain on child welfare services. "The idea that alcohol harms are limited to families with heavy drinkers is a misconception. Most issues arise in everyday families, where problems may not be immediately visible," says Hannu Jouhki, CEO of the A-Clinic Foundation.

Child welfare resources already overstretched

Finland's child welfare system is already under pressure. In 2023, there were 110,269 child welfare reports, an 11% increase from the previous year. "We are deeply concerned about the government’s focus on increasing alcohol availability while neglecting measures to prevent harm. Child welfare services are already stretched to their limits and cannot accommodate an increase in cases due to expanded alcohol access," warns Oona Ylönen, Secretary General of the Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters.

Balancing alcohol availability with harm prevention

The reform has drawn criticism from substance abuse and child welfare organizations, who argue that the government is prioritizing the expansion of alcohol availability without sufficient consideration for prevention. "Easier access to alcohol leads to increased consumption and greater harm. According to the World Health Organization, the most effective ways to mitigate alcohol-related harm are through restrictions on availability, pricing, and marketing," emphasizes Juha Mikkonen, Executive Director of EHYT.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government program, A Strong and Caring Finland, emphasizes the importance of shifting from reactive social services towards prevention. However, this reform contradicts that goal, particularly with recent cuts in funding for key national organizations focused on substance abuse prevention and child welfare.

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Sources: Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriö EHYT ry