New Year Brings New Laws and Regulations

The changeover will also see increases in the price of petrol, train tickets and postage stamps. Interest rates are also set to go up. And plans are afoot to do away with unwarranted part time work contracts.

As of Tuesday, bulk discounts on multiple packs of alcoholic beverages are a thing of the past. The practice of outdoor advertising of other discounted alcoholic drinks such as cheaper drinks offered during a "happy hour" is also against the law. Television commercials for alcoholic beverages are now banned from television screens between 7.00 am and 8.00 pm, and are forbidden in cinemas during movies for patrons under the age of 18.

Reform to Child Protection Legislation

The goal of legal reform governing the protection of children is to better protect the interests of minors. The law seeks to ensure that children and their families have access to necessary support, improve cooperation with officials and enable timely interventions in problem situations.

As of Tuesday, the duty to report in child protection cases lies with social and health care workers, the police and parish workers, in addition to youth service workers and private sector service providers. The right to privacy does not prevent such notifications.

There have also been changes in decision-making relating to child protection cases.

In cases of forceful custody, the decision-making authority will be transferred to the social legislative authorities. These panels will also be required to set up an expert group on child protection issues comprising different professionals in the field.

Higher Prices for Petrol and Travel

Also from New Year's Day, the impact of higher taxes will be reflected in the prices of items such as petrol and diesel fuel. Taxation will pump up the price of gasoline by 5 cents a litre, and diesel by 5 and a half cents. On average, motorists can expect to spend up to 60 euros more on fuel.

The price of bus tickets is also expected to rise by 5.2 percent, while long-distance train tickets will cost on average 2.9 percent more. On the other hand, the prices of sleeping and car berths will remain unchanged.

Sending snail mail will also a bit cost more in the new year. Mailing a package will cost 7 percent more, unless it weighs less than 50 grams.

Eliminating Unwarranted Part Time Contracts

Another change expected to affect people's lives is legislative reform designed to reduce the number of part time work contracts. Employers who do not explain to employees the rationale for their part time contracts may now face punishment.

Workers employed for more than one month must be given information such as the basis for their part time contracts, suitable work contracts, annual vacation as well as a notice period that is consistent with the duration of the work contract.

The industrial safety oversight law has also changed so that if an employee does not receive an explanation of the terms and conditions of work, the industrial safety law can be invoked to compel employers to provide such information.

Half a Percentage Point Increase in Prime Rates

Prime or base interest rates will rise to 4.75 percent, up from the 4.25 percent level of the last six months. The rate has fallen twice in a year, and has showed signs of strengthening over the last three months in line with the 12-month market interest rate average.

Nowadays the prime rate is not considered very significant. Only old housing or farming loans are still tied to this rate.

YLE