Drinking age in Finland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: The minimum age is 18 for mild alcoholic drinks (up to 22%) and 20 for strong drinks. Retail sale is a state monopoly with exceptions: shops may sell fermented drinks up to 8.0% and other drinks up to 5.5%, between 09:00 and 21:00.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol18 years [1]
Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol20 years [1]
Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcoholAlcohol may not be passed on or handed over, even without payment, to a person to whom it may not be sold under the age rules. Holding alcohol is banned for persons under 20 (strong drinks) and under 18 (mild drinks). [1]
Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol⚠ Not yet verified
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcoholThe state alcohol company Alko has an exclusive right to retail sale of alcoholic drinks, with exceptions. Shops with a retail licence may sell fermented drinks up to 8.0% and other drinks up to 5.5% alcohol by volume. Retail sale is allowed from 09:00 to 21:00. [1]

Notes

  • 18 applies to mild alcoholic drinks (up to 22% alcohol by volume), including beer and wine. The Alcohol Act bans selling or supplying alcohol to those below the age limit, and holding it by those under 18 (mild) or under 20 (strong).
  • 20 applies to strong alcoholic drinks (over 22% alcohol by volume) in retail sale and delivery.
  • No supervised-drinking exception was found in the text read.
  • The Alcohol Act lets the police prohibit drinking in a public place where public order requires it and bans drinking at retail premises and their immediate surroundings, but the list of places where drinking is not allowed was not fully read.
  • Farm wine and craft beer licences and other exceptions exist.

Sources

  1. Finlex (Ministry of Justice): Alkoholilaki 1102/2017 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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