IOGT-NTO urges a no-vote on farm sales of alcohol to protect public health. Introducing farm sales would gamble with people's lives and health, undermining Sweden's strongest protection against alcohol's harmful effects. Systembolaget saves 1,500 lives annually by limiting availability and profit interests.

A Finnish government report evaluates expanding wine sales beyond Alko’s monopoly, outlining benefits such as consumer choice and risks including increased alcohol harms. Alko emphasizes maintaining the Nordic retail model, citing significant public health impacts and broad public support for its current system.

On April 10, the Norwegian government presented Part II of its prevention and treatment reform in the field of drug policy. The proposed legislation addresses the criminal and procedural aspects of the reform, aiming to ensure that individuals with serious and long-term drug problems are not punished for their illness. At the same time, the government maintains that drug use should remain illegal to prevent initiation, particularly among youth.

Risky drinking among young men in Sweden has halved in 20 years, while it’s rising among those over 45—especially older women.

Signs of alcohol harm found in 1 in 20 children in Swedish pilot study—suggesting fetal exposure may be more common than assumed.

EHYT urges the Finnish government to rethink substance and gambling policy: more prevention, less availability, and fairer taxation.