Tampere student event adds more alcohol-free venues

Hämeenkatu Appro, an annual student event in Tampere often described as Finland’s largest, began on Thursday afternoon with more alcohol-free venues than in previous years, Yle reports. Cafes have become a growing part of the event, which is known for visits to bars and nightclubs.

“We want to take all students into account. It is possible to complete the event without alcohol,” said Otto Ahonen, the event’s project manager and a board member of Boomi, the student association for business students in Tampere.

Ahonen said the number of cafes and other alcohol-free venues has increased over the past five to 10 years. He said the organisers made a deliberate decision to offer more options for students who do not drink or do not consider alcohol the main part of a night out.

Cafes in central Tampere have responded positively, Ahonen said. He expects them to remain part of the event in future years.

Among the participating cafes are Kuparitalon Vohvelikahvila, Pyymäen Aira and Pella’s Cafe. Kuparitalon Vohvelikahvila owner Johanna Rastas said the cafe was invited to take part because the event is no longer as focused on alcohol and can be enjoyed without drinking.

The cafe is licensed to serve alcohol, but its event offer is a jam waffle, available for five euros. Traditional event drinks, from beer to shots, are not on its offer list. Rastas said the cafe stays open until 10 p.m. for the event and that it does not cause problems for other customers.

At an appro, students visit participating venues and collect stamps in a pass by making purchases that meet the event’s rules. Hämeenkatu Appro is being held for the 44th time this year.