The company restraining order finally submitted for parliamentary processing

Today, on 15 October 2026, the government has submitted a proposal for the so-called company restraining order to Parliament. The Finnish Commerce Federation and PAM consider the long-awaited proposal to be an important measure to improve the safety of stores.

According to the proposal, a ban from entering a store issued by the court would be introduced in Finland.

”We believe that the proposed reform of the legislation covers the most essential aspects that enable employers in the commerce sector to better address serious disruptive behaviour that jeopardises safety at work and the safety of customers,” says Terhi Kuljukka-Rabb, Chief Policy Adviser of the Finnish Commerce Federation.

According to the proposal, the court could, at the request of the undertaking, issue a ban from entering a store on the basis of disruptive behaviour in order to prevent crimes and other serious, repeated harassment. The police would be responsible for monitoring the ban and violating it would be punishable. The ban could apply to stores, but pharmacies would be excluded from the scope.

”The aim of the ban is to protect the safety of employees and customers. Repeated petty theft situations can also become threatening and provide grounds for a ban from entering a store. However, we are disappointed with the fee that has been imposed for applying for a ban from entering a store. This may weaken the use of the ban,” says Erika Kähärä, Occupational Health and Safety Advisor at Service Union United PAM.

The Finnish Commerce Federation and the Service Union United PAM consider it important that, if the new law comes into force, its effectiveness is actively monitored from the outset and possible development needs are identified based on practical experience. The Finnish Commerce Federation and the Service Union United PAM will also prepare guidelines for companies to support the smooth and appropriate application of the law.

The Finnish Commerce Federation and PAM have promoted the introduction of the company restraining order for a long time. Disturbing, threatening and violent situations in stores have tripled since 2020. According to PAM’s 2023 member survey, up to 70 per cent of customer service professionals have experienced harassment at work.

The Finnish Commerce Federation and PAM have supported the drafting of law in the monitoring group and provided practical experience of everyday life in stores. They thank the law drafters for their expert work in preparing the legislation and for the open and constructive discussion atmosphere in the work of the monitoring group.

Further information:

Terhi Kuljukka-Rabb, Chief Policy Adviser, Finnish Commerce Federation, terhi.kuljukka-rabb(at)kauppa.fi, tel. +358 50 300 3263

Erika Kähärä, Occupational Health and Safety Advisor, Service Union United PAM, tel. +358 (0)40 764 5295, erika.kahara(at)pam.fi