Public opinions, alcohol consumption and policy changes in Finland, 1993–2013

Abstract

Aims This article studies trends and patterns of public opinion on alcohol policy in relation to changes in alcohol policy and total alcohol consumption in Finland during the last twenty years. Design We first study changes in alcohol policy and total alcohol consumption, and then review and analyse data from public opinions surveys. General trends in the alcohol-policy opinion climate are studied, as well as specific questions such as opinions regarding age limits, pricing of alcoholic beverages and sales place of different alcoholic beverages. Findings The Finnish alcohol policy arena has undergone large changes during the last two decades which can also be noted as a growth in the total consumption of alcoholic beverages and related harms. In congruence with higher consumption levels of alcohol, also the share of the population in favour of more restrictive alcohol policies has risen.