Minister of Health and Social Services Susanna Huovinen suggests that mid-strength beers ought to move off the shelves of normal retailers and only be sold in Alko stores.
In an interview with the tabloid Ilta-Sanomat, Huovinen emphasized the fact that sales in state run Alko stores are more restricted than in grocery stores. In her view, alcohol is too cheap in Finland and alcohol taxes could be raised.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is now preparing a comprehensive reform of alcohol laws, which the government hopes to pass within the next two years. Huovinen says a draft of the legislation will be circulated for comment this autumn.
Meanwhile, national broadsheet Helsingin Sanomat reports that Federation of the Brewing and Soft Drinks Industry CEO Elina Ussa slammed the SDP minister's suggestion to return beer sales to Alko. She says that health and social problems are related to the drinking of hard spirits.
