A New Alcohol Environment

Abstract

■ AIMS This article reports developments in the Finnish alcohol field from 1990 to 2010, focusing on changes and trends in alcohol consumption, drinking habits and alcohol-related harm. We pay special attention to changes in alcohol availability and alcohol policy and look at the factors behind changes in alcohol policies. The article will also discuss the current status and future prospects of alcohol policy and alcohol control as well as differences between Finland and the situation in the neighbouring countries with a similar alcohol monopoly. ■ METHODS Routinely collected statistical data on alcohol consumption and related harm as well as repeated cross-sectional representative population surveys will be reviewed, as will changes in alcohol policy and availability. ■ RESULTS Apart from the economic recession in the early 1990s, alcohol consumption and related harm have increased in Finland. Changes in alcohol consumption are mostly explained by changes in consumer incomes and alcohol policy measures. However, EU membership has restricted tightened alcohol control and given more room for private alcohol industry to affect alcohol policy. ■ CONCLUSIONS While increased alcohol-related harm has stopped the Finns from moving toward a more liberal alcohol policy, EU membership and private alcohol interests have made it considerably more difficult to combat alcohol-related harm with alcohol control measures.