Finnish stores are not allowed to sell alcohol stronger than 4.7 percent. Even that weaker booze requires a license—and ever-fewer outlets now possess one, according to the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, Valvira.
Back in 1995 more than 8,000 retailers sold beverages with an alcohol content of 4.7 percent or less. Last year the figure had dropped to 5,800, indicating a decline of more than 2,000. The major explanation for the decline is a general trend towards larger grocery retail stores.
The number of grocery stores has fallen by even more—3,200—over the same period of time. In many towns several corner shops have been replaced by one supermarket, which only requires one liquor license.
Pizzeria and kebab shops with a license to sell beer can fall into either the restaurant licensing system or the system intended for shops, depending on whether they offer alcohol as a takeaway product or not.
The number of eateries and bars licensed to sell beer has also dropped, from 8,100 in 2006 to 8,400 last year. Almost a hundred had their license revoked in 2013, explaining some of the fall. Such action is much rarer for grocery stores, of which only 15 had their license cancelled last year.