Supervision of the Alcohol

Supervision of the Alcohol Act prevents detriments caused by alcohol.

National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) steers the implementation of the Alcohol Act at regional and local level.
Valvira:

-grants licences for production, wholesale and use of industrial alcohol and supervises importing of spirits above 80% ABV. Product control regarding alcohol ensures that the products in the market are safe and legally produced and imported. We are also the competent authority regarding product control issues in the framework of the EU.

- maintains the alcohol data system (ALLU) coshared with the Regional State Administrative Agencies which contains information regarding the traders in the alcohol industry and alcohol licences. For monitoring purposes, Valvira also collects information on alcohol deliveries between licence holders and the activities of licensed premises. Extensive alcohol statistics are maintained with the data system. Data Administration Unit is in charge of the alcohol data system and alcohol statistics.

- implements the national alcohol programme and coordinates the alcohol industry’s activities in order to prevent and reduce health, social and societal problems caused by alcohol; the overall aim is to contribute to a downward trend in the overall consumption of alcohol. With its actions Valvira prevents unhealthy competition and promotes the development of the alcohol industry’s and traders’ own readiness for prevention.

- supervises the State Alcohol Monopoly and ensures that it treats the producers of alcoholic beverages equally. Valvira also supervises the alcoholic beverage sales on vehicles in international traffic.

- supervises alcohol advertising together with the Regional State Administrative Agencies.