Reform in Finland’s Alcohol Law: Raising the Alcohol Content Limit for Fermented Beverages

Finland’s alcohol law is undergoing significant changes this summer as the parliament has approved amendments concerning the licensed retail sale of fermented alcoholic beverages. These amendments, effective from June 10, 2024, will bring notable changes for both consumers and retail sellers of alcoholic beverages.

What Do the Changes Entail?

Previously, retail license holders were permitted to sell fermented alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of up to 5.5% by volume, such as beer and cider. Starting from June 10, 2024, this limit will be raised, allowing retail outlets, including shops and restaurants, to sell fermented alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of up to 8% by volume. This means that stronger craft beers and other fermented beverages will become more widely available to consumers.

What Are Fermented Alcoholic Beverages?

Fermented alcoholic beverages are drinks in which alcohol is produced through the fermentation process. These include beer, cider, and wines, which are made through fermentation rather than distillation. The production process for these beverages differs from distillation, where alcohol is separated through heating.

What Does This Mean for Retail Sellers?

Retail license holders can now expand their product range without needing to apply for new permits from the Regional State Administrative Agency. All existing retail licenses for fermented alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of up to 5.5% by volume will automatically be extended to include beverages with an alcohol content of up to 8% by volume. This makes the transition to the new legislation smooth and straightforward for current license holders.

Alcohol Deliveries and License Registry

Alcohol producers and wholesalers can begin delivering alcoholic beverages in accordance with the new law to retail outlets from June 7, 2024. This means that consumers can expect a wider range of products on store shelves as soon as the law takes effect.

The existing retail licenses in the alcohol license registry will remain unchanged, but they can now be used to sell fermented alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of up to 8% by volume. License information and application forms will be updated to reflect the new legislation, and Valvira will soon update its general guidelines on the retail sale, serving, marketing, and packaging labels of alcohol to align with the law changes.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

For consumers, this change means a wider selection and more options at purchase locations. Especially craft beers and other stronger fermented alcoholic beverages will become more readily available. This could also lead to increased competition in the market, potentially resulting in better prices and more diverse product offerings.

What Does This Mean for Those Seeking an Alcohol Passport?

The changes in the alcohol law significantly impact those planning to obtain an alcohol serving license. With the new law, the alcohol content limit for fermented alcoholic beverages is raised, meaning that the exam and training for the alcohol serving license will cover new regulations and guidelines.

Example Question:

Question: "Can alcoholic beverages with more than 5.5% alcohol by volume be sold in retail?"

Previous Answer: "FALSE. The retail sale of alcoholic beverages with more than 5.5% alcohol by volume is the exclusive right of Alko."

With the new law, this answer is no longer valid in all cases. Let’s see how this question should be answered after the reform.

Current Answer: "TRUE. Fermented alcoholic beverages (such as beer, cider, and beverages produced through fermentation processes) with an alcohol content of up to 8% by volume can be sold in retail starting from June 10, 2024."