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Sat, 07 Jun, 2014 12:01:17 AM FTimes-STT Report, June 7  Health and Basic service minister Susanna Huovinen. Photo – Lehtikuva. Health and Basic Services Minister Susanna Huovinen has welcomed the planned raise in alcohol tax by Estonian government which announced that it is planning to increase alcohol taxation by 15 percent next year and a further 10 percent increase in the following year.
This year the government of Estonia increased alcohol taxation by 5 percent.
The Estonian administration had been well aware of alcohol importation by the Finnish travellers, according to the minister.
The minister, however, believes that the decision would not have a major impact on alcohol importation since the starting prices are quite low.
The minister also believes the dangers posed by alcohol consumption and the current economic situation prompted the Estonia's government to take the decision.
Huovinen pointed out that Finland is not alone on the issues of alcohol disadvantages. According to the minister those drawbacks are also significant in Estonia.
The minister noted that excessive liquor is also imported from Estonia into Russia and other Baltic states.
Estonian bear comes Finland. Photo – Str / Lehtikuva. Huovinen has spearheaded alcohol law reforms in the country aimed at curbing alcohol consumption.
The minister has in the past stated that alcohol taxation in the country is low. In her view, alcohol sale during evening hours, Sundays and holidays should be re-evaluated.
In the beginning of her ministerial term, the minister suggested the removal of medium strength beer from the alcohol shelves in stores that sell food.
The minister, however, later specified that it was not the prime method of calculating alcohol consumption.
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