Satisfaction with Current Alcohol Policy

Those favouring a tougher stance total 27%, an increase of five percentage points over the previous year.

The annual report conducted by the National Research and Development Centre for Health and Welfare (STAKES) asked the public for their views on alcohol prices, age limits and consumption habits.

Over one-half of respondents were content with current pricing policies. An overwhelming majority supported current purchasing age limits. Wines and beer may be purchased by those aged 18 or over, while sales of liquor are restricted to those aged 20 and over.

Of all respondents, 93% favoured the retention of the ALKO state monopoly on retail sales of liquor. Almost 90% favoured the continued sales of medium-grade beer in retail stores. Opinions, though, were divided on the possible sale of wines in stores. The current set-up was favoured by most.

The latest survey also showed that a clear majority of men and women felt that sales of wines in retail outlets would lead to an increase in overall alcohol consumption.

Some 1,000 people were questioned for the STAKES report by pollster TSN-Gallup in March. The sales tax on hard liquor was reduced by an average of one third in March 2004.