Tampere residents warn new alcohol home deliveries could increase harm

The alcohol law reform approved by Parliament at the end of June took effect in early July. Many Tampere residents say the newly allowed home delivery of alcohol is unnecessary and worry it will increase availability and lead to more misuse.

Local experts argue the change will mainly affect people with alcohol problems rather than moderate drinkers. Heikki Luoto, development director at Ehyt ry, pointed out that in countries where home delivery is already permitted, the highest-risk consumers tend to use such services most. He told YLE that assessing the reform’s real effects will require monitoring resources that have been cut in recent years.

Shoppers interviewed in Tampere called the option needless or inconvenient, and one warned it could make alcohol easier to obtain for people with problems.

Statistics from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) show 89,000 children in 2022 had at least one parent with a severe substance problem. A recent THL survey found 78 percent of Finns distrust reliable age or intoxication checks at delivery.

YLE has previously reported on proposals such as an alcohol delivery pass to train drivers.

Tampere authorities have recently stepped up policing and community outreach to reduce alcohol-related harm the police's May patrol boost and expanded state-funded street outreach services to reach neighbourhoods such as Hervanta and Annala.