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    What is the legal drinking age in Finland?

    Age limits for buying alcohol in shops, at Alko and in restaurants.

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    Short answer

    This topic is for adults aged 18 and over. In retail sale, 18-year-olds can buy alcoholic drinks with up to 22% alcohol, and you must be 20 to buy drinks above 22%, such as vodka or whisky. Alko, the state retail chain, checks the age of all young customers. In licensed bars and restaurants, guests aged 18 can be served all alcoholic drinks.

    Safety, Sustainable Tourism and Accessibility

    Why

    1. Alko states that an 18-year-old can buy alcoholic beverages with a maximum of 22% alcohol.
    2. Alko says it requires all young people to prove their age when shopping.
    3. Finnish Customs uses the same limits for imports: under 18 no alcohol, under 20 only mild drinks.

    Details

    Shops and kiosks can sell fermented drinks such as beer and cider up to 8% and other alcoholic drinks up to 5.5%. Anything stronger is sold only at Alko.

    Tip

    Carry your passport or national ID card when buying alcohol. Foreign driving licences are not always accepted as proof of age.

    What may differ

    Alcohol sales hours are limited by law, and Alko opening hours differ from those of grocery shops. Check opening hours before a holiday weekend.

    Common misconception

    In Finland you must be 21 to buy any alcohol.

    What actually happens

    The limits are 18 for drinks up to 22% and 20 for stronger drinks in shops and at Alko.

    People also ask

    • Can 18-year-olds drink in bars in Finland?
    • Where can you buy wine in Finland?
    • Can tourists buy alcohol in Finnish supermarkets?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Rules and penalties can change, so check the Finnish authorities before you travel.

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