The surprising consequence of the Finnish alcohol law

With the change of the Finnish Alcohol Act at the turn of the year, the difference in beer departments in neighbouring food stores is noticeable, reported Helsinkin Sanomat in January 2018.

More and more Swedes living near the Finnish border tend to buy alcohol at Tornio’s grocery stores. A wider selection seems to be the reason for these trips.

In Sweden, alcoholic drinks with strength up to 3.5 percent are in food stores available, In Finland beverages with a strength of up to 5.5 percent are in the shelves of ordinary grocery stores.

Especially in the stores of Tornio, there has been a rise in the sale of long drinks. The rise in beer sale has been around fifth compared to previous periods.

A significant proportion of Swedish buyers in Finland are under 20 years old, traders say. In Sweden, young people are only allowed to buy lower than 3.5% beers. To buy from Systembolaget person must be at least 20 years old.

Source: Helsinkin Sanomat