Alko to open on Sundays in northern Finland

Alko will begin opening select stores in northern Finland on Sundays, starting with locations in Rovaniemi, Oulu, and Kajaani, the state-owned retailer confirmed to Yle.

According to Kaija-Leena Kerkelä, Alko’s regional service manager for Northern Finland, the trial will launch in three large outlets situated within major shopping centres where customer traffic already exists on Sundays.

Saturday hours will also be extended in several ski resort locations. The Levi store will begin Sunday operations during the autumn ruska season in late August or early September, while Ylläs, Ruka, and Saariselkä will follow at the start of the winter season in late November or early December.

Alko will introduce home delivery in Northern Finland around the New Year, following a six-month transition period under the new alcohol law approved by Parliament earlier this week.

The law, which took effect on 4 July, also permits online sales, cross-border distance selling, and Sunday openings for Alko stores.