The Finnish government is to make a decision in the near future on whether to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages up to 15 percent outside of state-owned Alko. Since about a year ago, wines with a maximum of eight percent have been permitted in food stores.
A government-commissioned investigation proposes three alternatives on Wednesday: allowing the sale of stronger wine, up to 15 percent, in food stores, restaurants, or specialty stores, reports Yle.
Deregulation of wine sales would, among other things, lead to lower prices, increased accessibility, and increased competition. The downside is more alcohol-related injuries and increased alcohol consumption, according to the investigation.
At the same time, it points out that Alko's monopoly should be reviewed and limited to strong spirits.
Joel Karjalainen at the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority said earlier to Svenska Yle that it cannot be ruled out that the sale of wine up to 15 percent in food stores could lead to bankruptcy for Alko.
As a countermove, Alko proposes a "moderate" update of the alcohol law by extending the company's own opening hours to Sundays and longer opening hours on Saturdays.
Alko's CEO Leena Laitinen refers in a press release to the fact that "the Nordic model" according to WHO is the best approach to selling alcohol responsibly.
