Alcohol policies fin de siècle

Abstract

The article discusses the possibilities for rational and consistent alcohol policies towards the end of this century. It takes two countries, Finland and Sweden, as examples, and examines their experiences from a historical perspective. Finland and Sweden are countries that very early developed alcohol control systems that were aimed at eliminating private profit from all alcohol trade. Finland had a Prohibition whereas Sweden adopted the so called Bratt system. The latter consisted of a public monopoly on alcohol retail plus strict individual control of purchases. Although the historical experiences are thus different, the anti-alcohol sentiment was common to both countries in the end of the last century and in the first half of this century. In Sweden the temperance movement was stronger and independent, whereas in Finland it adopted the function of almost any kind of social movement (nationalist movement, political labour movement, women's movement, youth movement). Thus the Finnish temperance movement became integrated with the basic structures of the system of popular organizations. Towards the end of this century, it is to be expected that the political influence of the temperance movement will become essentially weaker, and especially so in Finland. In Sweden, it will partially be replaced by professional anti-alcohol movements (doctors, social workers etc.), whereas in Finland there is little sign of this either. On the contrary, new social meanings that are becoming attached to drinking in these countries (drinking as a sign of cultural competence, as a form of sociability etc.), are likely to arouse anti-control sentiments. Thus alcohol control policies will face a serious credibility problem, which it can only overcome by careful adjustments to local needs. It is essential that alcohol control serves a symbolic function as a remainder of the risks of drinking. This symbolic function should be underlined in all possible ways.