Allowing alcohol home delivery does not win the support of Finns. Photo: Tiuku Pennola
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A new survey conducted by Finnish organizations reveals widespread concern over the potential negative consequences of allowing alcohol home delivery. More than 75% of respondents expressed doubts about the effectiveness of monitoring age restrictions and ensuring sales are not made to intoxicated individuals, should a legal amendment permit food delivery services to handle alcohol distribution.
The study, commissioned by A-klinikkasäätiö, Ehkäisevä päihdetyö EHYT ry, and Ensi- ja turvakotien liitto, reflects growing unease over how alcohol delivery could impact families and children, with over 70% of participants predicting an increase in child protection cases if the policy is implemented.
The results mirror earlier findings from Finland’s National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), which published a report in February 2024 showing that 45% of Finns had little to no trust in the ability to properly supervise alcohol deliveries. Only 6% of respondents believed that existing systems were reliable enough to manage such a service.
The concerns are not limited to households with heavy alcohol use. “It is a misconception that the harms of alcohol only affect families with excessive drinking habits,” said Hannu Jouhki, CEO of A-klinikkasäätiö. “The most significant issues often arise in working families, where problems may go unnoticed for longer periods.”
The debate comes at a time when Finland’s child protection services are facing significant strain. In 2023, child protection reports were filed for 110,269 children, representing an 11% increase from the previous year. This means that around one in ten Finnish children is in need of support from child welfare services.
“Re, launched by several organizations, aims to raise awareness about the effects of alcohol policies on children. It is estimated that around 89,000 children in Finland are affected by parental substance abuse. Many of these children and their families turn to services provided by non-profit organizations for support.
The campaign calls for the protection of children’s rights to be prioritized in the ongoing reform of Finland’s alcohol laws. A petition to ensure that children’s welfare is considered in future alcohol policy decisions is currently being circulated by the organizations behind the survey.
The survey, conducted in August 2024 by Bilendi via an online panel, polled 1,000 Finnish adults from across the country, excluding Åland. The sample was evenly split between men and women, with 10% of respondents aged 18-24. Representation from other age groups ranged from 15-17%. One-third of respondents were from Uusimaa, Finland’s most populous region.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
