The Finnish Parliament’s Grand Committee approved the government’s proposed amendment of the Alcohol Act by a margin of 14-11 on Wednesday. One Christian Democrat lawmaker, Sari Tanus, voted against her government's bill.
The full legislature is almost certain to rubber-stamp the bill soon.
MPs from the Social Democratic Party proposed that the committee consult with experts on the issue, but that proposal was voted down by governing party MPs. Those from the other opposition parties backed the SDP call for more consultation.
Experts warn of social costs
All the experts who testified before the SDP-chaired Social Affairs and Health Committee earlier this spring warned that making stronger drinks easily accessible in grocery shops would exacerbate health and social problems.
In an unusual political development, that committee rejected the bill, as one Christian Democrat MP voted with the opposition.
The law would allow regular retail stores to sell fermented alcoholic beverages with an alcohol of content of up to eight percent, compared to the current 5.5%. At present, stronger beverages are only available from state-owned Alko monopoly outlets, which have more restricted locations and opening hours.
Last week, the full house voted to approve the bill in its first reading, despite splits in government and opposition ranks.
The powerful 25-member Grand Committee, which decides on EU-related issues, also considers bills that are referred to it after an initial vote by a full plenary session.
Approval by the committee, which includes representatives of nearly all parliamentary parties, virtually assures passage of a law by the full legislature.
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