Under the proposal, nicotine replacement products could be sold at food stores, kiosks, and petrol stations, but not restaurants. Sale of the products would also require a permit from local municipal authorities.
The Government's proposal puts forward a number of other changes.
For instance, the bill calls for uniform wholesale prices for pharmaceuticals, and sets new rules for retail prices of medicines. Pharmacists will also be required to provide supplementary training for their staff.
The Finnish Association of Finnish Pharmacies has denounced the proposed changes.
Pharmacists warn that the wider availability of nicotine products would mean that buyers would not be able to get the professional advice that pharmacy staff can offer. They are also concerned that increased availability of over-the-counter medicines in ordinary stores could have a negative impact on the profitability of pharmacies, forcing some of them to close.
The Association also says that the rules on pricing could, in some cases, force pharmacies to sell some drugs below the wholesale price.