A new Finnish report assesses expanding wine sales beyond Alko's monopoly
- Lauri Beekmann
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
16.04.2025 - A new government-commissioned report, released on April 16 by investigator Antti Neimala, evaluates potential implications of expanding the retail sale of wines containing up to 15% alcohol beyond Finland's state-owned monopoly, Alko. The report outlines three possible models: allowing wine sales in grocery stores, enabling restaurants to sell wine for off-premises consumption, and permitting specialized wine stores. These options could be implemented individually or in combination.
According to the report, expanding wine retail sales could enhance consumer choice, foster competition, potentially reduce prices, and improve convenience through increased retail availability. However, the report acknowledges significant risks, notably the potential increase in alcohol consumption and associated social and health harms. It also stresses that increased availability could disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.
Alko has responded by highlighting the substantial societal and public health implications of such liberalization. CEO Leena Laitinen emphasized that the Nordic model of alcohol retailing, supported by the WHO, effectively balances consumer service and public health objectives. Laitinen expressed satisfaction that the report emphasizes the need for careful and comprehensive policy preparation.
Alko underscored potential negative economic impacts on its operations if wine sales were expanded beyond its stores. Wine sales currently account for 62% of Alko’s total volume sales. Losing this significant portion would severely undermine Alko’s financial stability, likely leading to store closures and reduced accessibility of spirits across the country. Alko argues that maintaining a comprehensive monopoly is necessary for both economic viability and fulfilling its public health mandate.
Rather than liberalizing wine sales, Alko proposes moderate policy adjustments, such as experimenting with extended store opening hours, including Sundays and later evenings on Saturdays. According to Alko, this approach could modestly improve accessibility without compromising Finland's proven public health framework.
Public opinion appears aligned with Alko’s position. Recent surveys cited by Alko indicate that a majority of Finns do not see the need for increased alcohol availability and prefer maintaining the current system. Alcohol consumption already generates substantial societal costs in Finland, estimated at over €1.5 billion annually, affecting healthcare, social services, and productivity.
The debate surrounding wine sales liberalization will undoubtedly continue, balancing economic freedoms and consumer convenience against the proven benefits of the Nordic alcohol retail model.
