News
The article is more than 15 years old

Justice Ministry Calls for Crackdown on Public Drunkenness

Police in Finland could soon have more authority to crack down on public drunkenness. The Ministry of Justice has proposed that police would be able to slap a fine on people who drink in public.

Image: YLE

The ministry also wants police officers to have the right to confiscate alcohol from persons drinking in public.

Under the proposal, an on-the-spot fine could be handed to persons who do not stop drinking in public after being approached by police. Underage drinkers could also be given on-the-spot fines.

Police will soon have the right to look through young persons’ belongings if they suspect the person is underage and has alcohol. Reforms to the alcohol legislation go into effect in November 2009.

Sources: YLE