Pubdate: Tue, 9 Apr 2002
Source: Helsingin Sanomat International Edition (Finland)
Copyright: 2002 2000 Helsingin Sanomat
Contact:  http://www.helsinki-hs.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1158
Author: Helsingin Sanomat

FACTFILE: A VIOLENT PERIOD IN FINNISH HISTORY

The Finnish Parliament passed prohibition a number of times - in the years 
1907, 1909, 1911, and 1914. Each time the Czar rejected it.

Finland became independent in 1917, and a new law on prohibition came into 
effect on June 1, 1919. It was repealed nearly 13 years later on the 5th of 
April 1932 at 10:00 AM. The exact time is easy to remember as a countdown: 
5-4-3-2-1-0. The repeal of prohibition came after an advisory referendum 
showed extensive public dissatisfaction with its consequences.

During the prohibition years average consumption of alcohol increased in 
Finland from 1.5 to two litres of pure alcohol a year per capita.

In the years 1922 - 1926 the per capita homicide rate in Finland was ten 
times that of Sweden or Britain.

Prohibition made Finnish drinking habits more intoxication-oriented than 
before. A high alcohol content became a more desirable quality in a drink 
than good taste.
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MAP posted-by: Alex