Feb 10 • 08:55 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

The Constitutional Committee addressed the online sale and home delivery of alcohol - Here are the results

The Finnish Constitutional Committee has finalized its opinion on the proposed law regarding the online sale and home delivery of alcohol, stating that the law can be legislated through normal parliamentary procedures despite dissenting opinions.

The Constitutional Committee of Finland concluded its opinion regarding the government's proposal to amend the alcohol law, which would allow online sales of alcoholic beverages and their delivery to homes. This legislative change aims to permit not only Alko, the state-owned alcohol retailer, but also various licensed retailers to engage in online transactions and deliver products directly to consumers. Additionally, the new law is set to introduce regulations for cross-border online sales of alcoholic beverages, a significant step towards modernizing Finland's alcohol sales framework.

Heikki Vestman, the chair of the Constitutional Committee, confirmed to Iltalehti that the committee found the proposed law could be passed through standard legislative procedures, indicating a smooth progression through parliament. However, it's noteworthy that dissenting opinions were expressed by members of the Social Democratic Party, Johannes Koskinen and Ville Skinnari, which could signal potential political friction as the proposal moves forward. Their concerns highlight ongoing debates about alcohol regulation's social and health implications in Finland.

This adjustment in the law reflects broader trends in European Union regulations on alcohol sales and the desire for more flexible market operations. As consumer behaviors shift towards online purchases, this legislation could significantly reshape the Finnish alcohol retail landscape, impacting both local businesses and consumers. The outcome of this legislative change may pose important questions regarding public health and safety regulations in the alcohol sector as the government seeks to balance commerce with social responsibility.

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