Finland proposes court-ordered access bans for retail disturbances

The Finnish government has submitted a legislative proposal to Parliament that would allow courts to issue access bans for individuals causing serious or repeated disturbances in retail stores. If passed, the law is intended to take effect next summer.

The proposal, referred to as a business access ban, would allow business owners to apply for a court order to prevent crimes and serious harassment. The police would oversee the enforcement of these bans, and violating them would be a punishable offense. While the ban would apply to general retail stores, pharmacies would be excluded from the scope of the law.

The Confederation of Finnish Commerce and the Service Union PAM have expressed support for the measure, stating it is a necessary step to improve safety for both employees and customers. They noted that incidents involving threats and violence in retail settings have reportedly tripled since 2020. However, PAM expressed disappointment regarding the proposed application fee for seeking an access ban, noting it might discourage businesses from utilizing the tool.