The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has issued a warning regarding a government proposal that could fundamentally change the landscape for alcohol sales in Finland. If the proposal is enacted as currently drafted, it would allow small producers, such as craft distilleries, to sell alcohol directly from their production sites, potentially located within shopping centers. This would introduce new competitors to Alko, which currently holds a monopoly on retail alcohol sales.

THL has raised concerns about the implications of this proposal, particularly criticizing the removal of requirements for legal and financial independence for companies seeking retail licenses. They argue that this could enable larger companies to establish subsidiaries that could bypass the intended restrictions, leading to increased availability of alcohol and potentially contributing to public health issues. The proposal would essentially blur the lines between small and large alcohol producers, which could result in an increase in alcohol accessibility in Finland.

The ongoing discussion around this legislative change highlights the balancing act between consumer access to products and public health concerns. As the proposal progresses through the government, it remains to be seen how it will impact current alcohol laws and the operations of existing retailers like Alko, as well as the overall drinking culture in Finland.