Alcohol sale ban in petrol stations maybe constitutional, says Chancellor of Justice
The office of the Chancellor of Justice said that Tallinn's ban on the sale of hard liqueur in petrol stations might not be unconstitutional as its impact on the freedom of enterprise is of low intensity and there could be a positive effect on the health of Estonians.
Indrek Teder, the chancellor of justice, said his opinion could change if handed empirical evidence to the contrary.
Statoil, one of the nation's largest fuel retailers, asked the Supreme Court for its opinion on the ban, which is due to come into effect on July 1. The company said the ban is unconstitutional as it goes against the freedom of enterprise principle.
The Supreme Court in turn asked the Chancellor of Justice for his comment. Teder's office said the request by Statoil should be rejected, adding that the ban might not be unconstitutional.
The ban, among a number of others to limit the availability of alcohol, is part of the city's fight against alcohol consumption.
Editor: J.M. Laats