Alcohol-related deaths are up again.
Open image viewer
File photo. Image: Petri Niemi / Yle
The number of alcohol-related deaths in Finland has started to increase once again in recent years following a sustained period of falling numbers, according to a report by news group Uutissuomalainen (USU).
Prior to the reform of the country’s alcohol laws in 2018, both alcohol consumption and alcohol-related deaths had been declining for a long time.
Pia Mäkelä, a research professor with public health authority THL, told USU that it is difficult to pinpoint exactly why the number of alcohol-related deaths has started to rise again, especially in light of falling consumption levels, but it is likely linked to the 2018 legislative changes.
The reform paved the way for grocery stores and supermarkets to sell beverages with a higher alcohol content, as well as allowing the state-owned chain of Alko stores to keep longer opening hours.
Since last year, drinks with an alcohol content of up to eight percent have been available to buy at grocery stores and supermarkets — even though overall consumption continues to decline, according to a report by THL.
A government proposal that would permit the online sales and home delivery of alcoholic beverages in Finland is also currently progressing through parliament.