Finland approves alcohol law reform, allowing home delivery and potential Sunday sales

Finland's parliament has passed a significant reform of the alcohol law, a move that will permit the home delivery of alcoholic beverages. The legislation, approved by a vote of 98 to 77, also clarifies that alcohol can be ordered from international vendors.

The reform will allow consumers to order alcoholic drinks from various sources, including the state-owned alcohol retailer Alko, grocery stores, and restaurants. This change aims to modernize alcohol sales and provide greater convenience to consumers.

Furthermore, the new law may impact Alko's operating hours. Under the revised regulations, Alko stores will have the option to remain open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., including Sundays. However, the decision to extend hours will be made by individual Alko stores.

The parliamentary debate surrounding the alcohol law reform was notably eventful. An initial proposal to amend the law, as outlined in the social and health committee's report, was not approved. This was due to the committee's critical stance on the liberalization of alcohol sales, with Päivi Räsänen expressing opposition. The government's proposal was then advanced to a grand committee, which ultimately shaped the version that parliament voted on, largely aligning with the government's original intentions.