Finland's total alcohol consumption declined during the peak of last spring's coronavirus crisis, according to a report from the Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
Alcohol consumption in April-June was around 10 percent lower than the same period a year prior. The institute said the consumption figures were based on sales and purchasing data.
The majority of people who responded to a public survey, which was linked to a THL study on antibody tests, said their booze consumption habits had remained unchanged. Meanwhile, 12 percent said they had been drinking less and eight percent noted an increase in alcohol consumption during the epidemic.
The biggest changes were seen among younger adults, below the age of 35, as well as those whose economic situations had worsened during the epidemic, according to the THL.
Epidemic saw declining trend continue
Alcohol consumption in Finland has been on a steady decline since 2007, and the epidemic — along with coronavirus-related restrictions — helped to continue that trend, according to THL research professor Pia Mäkelä.
The biggest impact the epidemic had on alcohol was where it was purchased, according to the report. Booze sales at restaurants and bars came to a standstill during April and May when the government shuttered establishments in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus.
At the same time, personal imports of alcohol from abroad also dropped significantly as travel restrictions and quarantine requirements kept people off of ships and planes.
Meanwhile, the restrictions in place within Finland contributed to increased sales at state liquor monopoly Alko shops and speciality stores. During the second quarter of the year, booze sales in Finland increased by around 16 percent, compared to the same period last year.
The institute's special researcher Katariina Warpenius said that as restaurants closed, alcohol consumption shifted to homes, just like most activities during the pandemic's period of distance working and learning.