Differential Effects of Restricting the Supply of Alcohol: Studies of a Strike in Finnish Liquor Stores

Abstract

In 1972, a strike closed down Finnish liquor stores for five weeks, and the overall consumption of alcohol decreased by roughly a third. Results from observational studies and analyses of survey data and statistical records on the effects of the strike are presented. During the strike, arrests for drunkenness decreased to about one-half, cases of assault and battery were reduced by some 20 to 25 percent and cases of drunken driving by between 10 and 15 percent. Home production of alcoholic beverages and consumption of surrogate alcohol showed some increase.

The strike affected different population groups in different ways. The frequency of arrests of homeless alcoholics was reduced to a lesser degree than was that of socially less isolated drinkers. Older persons and lower strata reacted more passively than younger people and the middle class, who were more actively turning to alternative sources of alcohol.

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