Higher Alcohol Taxes Have Not Caused Rush to Estonia
Private alcohol imports by Finns travelling abroad have been on the rise this year. However, a 10% increase in alcohol taxes in Finland has not led to a surge of travel to Estonia to buy cheaper booze.
Estonian retailers say that they have registered no change in purchases by Finns.
"At least that the moment, we haven't noticed it in any way. Sales will probably take off in November and December, but that always happens during the Finnish Christmas party season," says Imre Poll, director of the chain SuperAlko.
SuperAlko has two outlets in the harbour of the Estonian capital Tallinn and it is Estonia's largest wholesale and retail chain. Finns account for 95% of sales. The chain's director says there is no reason to believe that the latest tax rise in Finland will bring more Finns into his shops.
"There have been tax increases many times, both in Finland and in Estonia. It has never brought a spike in sales," states Poll.
No major changes have been noted on the Eckerö Line's Ms Nordlandia that operates between Helsinki and Tallinn, either.
"This tax rise is still so new that no difference has been seen, Sales have remained steady. I suspect, though, that when taxes go up once again in January, we will see sales grow," says Robin Roth of Eckerö Line.
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