supermarkets, some even in gas stations. Under the Alcohol Act, Alkos cannot have a window display, so stores often have a display of wine glasses and catalogues. Alko can advertise beverages that contain up to 22% alcohol. In practice, manufacturers or distributors, not Alko, advertise their products. There is a total ban on advertising beverages stronger than 22%. On February 3, 2005, the Finnish Food Marketing Association (a pressure group of the country's supermarkets like K-Kauppa and S-Group) asked the European Union to challenge the legality of Alko's monopoly, which it disputes. Products under 22% ABV can be purchased by individuals at least 18 years of age. The minimum age for products containing over 22% ABV is 20. When asked at checkout a customer must prove their age with an official ID (only a driver's licence, ID card or passport is accepted). Alcohol will not be sold to visibly intoxicated customers or when there is a reason to suspect misuse or illegal supply to a person who would not be authorized to buy. Persons under the age of 18 are prohibited from entering an Alko unless accompanied by an adult. History From 1919 to 1932, the distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages was forbidden in Finland. When the prohibition was lifted by the Finnish government in 1932 following a referendum, they created a company called Oy Alkoholiliike Ab which was fully owned by the government. The first stores were opened on the 5 April 1932. During the 1939-40 Winter War the company mass-produced molotov cocktails for the Finnish military, production totalling 450,000 units. In 1969 the company's name was changed to Oy Alko Ab. This company not only distributed, but also imported and manufactured alcohol. Between 1962 and 1998, Alko stores gradually switched from desk service (where customers asked shop attendants to retrieve products for them) to self-service. In 1995, when Finland joined the EU, the monopolies in production and import had to be lifted. Thus, the corporation was separated into Alko (distribution), Primalco (production of alcohol) and Havistra (bulk sales), which together formed the Altia Group; only Alko retained a monopoly. In 1998, Alko was spun off entirely from the Altia Group, which was reorganized later to form Altia Oyj. While Altia Oyj and Alko remain legally separate, Alko is the major customer of Altia's products. The history of Alko is presented at the Hotel and Restaurant Museum in