Finland’s government has submitted legislation to parliament that would introduce court-ordered entry bans for shops, giving businesses a new tool to deal with repeated theft, threats and serious disruptive behaviour.
National Coalition Party MP Sari Sarkomaa says the reform would improve safety for both retail workers and customers.
“No one should have to be afraid at work. Retail employees must be able to do their jobs safely, and customers must be able to shop without fear of violence or threats,” Sarkomaa said in a statement.
According to Sarkomaa, incidents involving disruption, threats and violence in shops have increased sharply since 2020. She also pointed to a 2023 survey by Finland’s Service Union United PAM, in which 70 percent of customer service workers reported experiencing harassment at work.
“It cannot be the case that the same person can return to a shop again and again to steal, threaten employees or cause serious disruption,” she said.
Under the proposal, a court could impose an entry ban based on previous serious or repeated disruptive behaviour. Violating the ban would be a criminal offence, while police would be responsible for enforcement.
Sarkomaa said the measure would shift some of the burden away from individual employees. At present, she noted, a worker facing threatening behaviour may have to apply personally for a restraining order.
“Employees must not be left alone to carry responsibility for their own safety. Responsibility for safe working conditions belongs to the employer, and employers must also be given effective tools to ensure them,” she said.
Sarkomaa has advocated the introduction of such restrictions for several years, raising the issue previously in parliament through a written question and a legislative initiative.
She also argued that repeated shoplifting and security incidents create costs that can extend beyond retailers themselves.
Losses from theft and rising security expenditure can ultimately affect consumer prices, she said.
“A safe shop is in the interests of employees, customers and entrepreneurs alike. That is why it is important that this long-awaited reform is finally moving forward,” Sarkomaa said.