A Comparison of the Effects of Alcohol Policies between Finland and the USA

Abstract

Objectives

The main objectives of this study were to compare the alcohol markets and alcohol policies used by Finland and the USA and their effects. The affecting factors considered were taxation, availability of alcohol, public health, public’s knowledge, and sales and consumption of alcohol.

Summary

In the recent years, less strict alcohol policies have been implemented in Finland. This has caused concern that the alcohol consumption might increase due to the changes in policies. To examine if the laxer policies have any effect, USA was used as comparison to Finland, due to its comparably less strict policies. The effects were examined by a qualitative analysis of availability of alcohol and public’s knowledge as well as by a statistical analysis of the other factors stated before.

Conclusions

The alcohol markets of Finland and the United States are comparable when the population is taken to account. Contrary to expectations, the trend in the total consumption of alcohol in Finland has been a steady decline. On the other hand, the U.S. alcohol policies are significantly less strict than in Finland and the consumption of alcohol has increased. This has subsequently resulted in the decline of alcohol related mortality in Finland, and an increase in the U.S.

The negative effects of less strict policies can be combatted by an efficient use of alcohol taxation and by increasing the public’s knowledge of the negative effects of alcohol.