The Finnish government’s proposal to expand alcohol home delivery and distance selling threatens to increase alcohol consumption and harms while directing profits abroad. EHYT warns that the move undermines proven public health policies and places children and youth at greater risk.

A University of Helsinki doctoral study shows that Finns exposed to more liberal alcohol policies in their youth have higher rates of alcohol-related illness and mortality later in life. The findings underline how policy decisions can shape public health outcomes decades into the future.

Homelessness, substance use, and gambling problems among young Finns are increasing. The Blue Ribbon Association and Foundation appealed to Minister Mika Poutala, stressing that state budget decisions and policies on alcohol, gambling, and housing must better safeguard youth wellbeing. They warn that no welfare state should attempt to balance its finances by worsening young people’s struggles with addiction and homelessness.

Finland’s draft reform to the Alcohol Act would allow home delivery, cross-border distance sales, and digital advertising of spirits. In its submission, NordAN warns the changes risk dismantling the public health-focused Nordic model. Alongside the submission, NordAN also sent the “Elders’ Letter” to Finnish ministers and party leaders, urging transparency and a clear commitment to evidence-based alcohol policy.

Alcohol, drugs, and suicides are the leading causes of premature years of life lost in Finland, resulting in an annual financial loss of €8.35 billion. Alcohol alone is the top cause nationwide and in many regions, while other regions see suicide, drugs, or ischemic heart diseases as the main causes. The latest data highlight significant regional disparities and stress the importance of targeted preventive efforts.

The Finnish Mental Health Policy Advisory Board urges the government to assess the mental health impacts of proposed changes to alcohol and gambling laws. With regulation being eased and harm risks increasing, the board stresses the need for prevention, support services, and earmarked funding to address rising challenges, especially among youth.

The Finnish *Pidä kiinni®* treatment model helps parents with substance use disorders and their babies build safer, healthier lives together. A nationwide study shows it improves parent-child interaction and family well-being. Despite proven effectiveness and major societal savings, the program lost state funding in 2025, putting its future at risk.

The Finnish government’s mid-term budget increases alcohol and nicotine taxes but imposes severe funding cuts to health organizations. EHYT warns this jeopardizes critical public health and substance abuse prevention, urging targeted investment from tax revenues to protect vulnerable communities.

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.

63% of Finns say alcohol home delivery harms children and families—most oppose plans to increase alcohol availability.

KKV warns that expanding wine sales to grocery stores could raise alcohol consumption, with social costs exceeding tax revenue gains.

Support for wine sales in Finnish grocery stores continues to decline, reflecting tightening public opinion on alcohol policy.

Drug-related deaths among Finnish youth nearly doubled in 2023, with 91 under-25s lost—a record high, per Statistics Finland.

Finnish gov't proposes allowing alcohol home delivery, but concerns rise over age limit enforcement and increased strain on child welfare se