Hämeenkatu appro adds more alcohol-free cafés to welcome non-drinking students

The 44th Hämeenkatu appro opened Thursday afternoon with more alcohol-free cafés and performance spots to make it easier for non-drinking students to take part, YLE reports.

Organisers say the shift reflects a deliberate change over the past five to ten years to include non-drinking students. Otto Ahonen, project manager for the appro and a board member of student organisation Boomi ry, says organisers have added cafés and other alcohol-free performance locations so people can complete the event without alcohol.

Participating venues this year include Kuparitalo's Waffle Café, Pyymäki's Aira and Pella’s Cafe. Kuparitalo's owner Johanna Rastas said the café joined because the event "is no longer so alcohol-focused" and people can take part without drinking. Kuparitalo holds an A-licence. It will offer appro pass stamps for purchases such as a jam waffle starting at five euros, and cafés involved say they will stay open later and promote the event on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

The event forms part of a wider week of student activities in Tampere, including Kiskofest and Namiappro earlier student-week coverage. Aamulehti planned to live-stream the 44th Hämeenkatu appro from Central Square the live-stream notice.