Alcohol – Alcohol policy opinions

Public attitudes towards alcohol policy have become stricter in recent years

Public opinions on alcohol policy have become stricter since 2022. In 2026, 17% of respondents supported a stricter alcohol policy, compared with 8% in 2022. Women supported stricter restrictions more often than men. 

In the 2026 survey, 55% of respondents considered the current alcohol policy restrictions to be appropriate. This proportion has remained fairly stable over the past five years, varying between 53% and 57%.

A more liberal alcohol policy was preferred by 20% of respondents, compared with 29% in 2023. Among men, 29% supported a more liberal alcohol policy, compared with 11% of women.

The proportion of those wishing wine to be sold in grocery stores has remained unchanged

According to the survey, Finnish alcohol policy opinions are particularly divided on where wine should be available for purchase. In 2025, 43% of respondents considered that wines with an alcohol content of 8–15% should be available for sale in grocery stores. This proportion has decreased clearly from 2022, when it stood at 54%.

When the question included a direct reference to potential consequences for the retail system, this had a significant impact on support. If allowing the sale of wine in grocery stores would also mean permitting the sale of strong alcoholic beverages in these outlets, 24% of respondents would support the sale of wine in grocery stores.

Opinions vary by beverage group

The survey also examined opinions on points of sale for other beverage groups. Of respondents, 41% considered that beers with an alcohol content above 8% and other brewery products should be available for sale in grocery stores.

A total of 14% of respondents considered that strong alcoholic beverages should also be available for sale in grocery stores. Over the past five years, this proportion has varied between 10% and 14%. 

About the data in more detail

Read the full report (in Finnish)

Background information

Quality report (OSF) (ei löydy englanniksi – linkataanko suomenkieliselle sivulle?)
Data description (Data catalogue) 

Sources

Alcohol Policy Opinion 2026. Statistical report 4/2026, 13.3.2026. Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Alcohol policy opinions. THL.

Description of statistics

The data in the statistics on alcohol policy opinions are based on sample-based surveys and form part of the monitoring of alcohol conditions in Finland by Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos. Monitoring of alcohol policy opinions has been conducted as part of the Drinking Habits Survey since 1968 and as an annual survey based on a separate opinion survey since 1984.

The statistics describe public attitudes towards current alcohol policy restrictions, opinions on where different alcoholic beverages should be available for purchase, and public views on measures implemented by Alko, the current prices of alcoholic beverages, and the age limits for purchasing alcoholic beverages.

Update schedule

The statistics are published annually, usually in the spring following the statistical reference year. 
More detailed information on the release date is available in the publication calendar for statistics.
Statistics publication calendar