Page 95 - DIPLOMATIC PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES IN FINLAND

9.8 Radio Transmitters
The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) may, upon application, issue an authorisation for a mission to use radio equipment for communication. To obtain such an authorisation, the mission shall file an application addressed to the Communications Regulatory Authority either directly with the Communications Regulatory Authority or through the Protocol Services. The application must contain a specification of the equipment to be used.
If the security officials accompanying high level visitors wish to bring along communication equipment, the frequencies and the power of radio equipment must be notified in advance to the Protocol Services. It is advisable to inform of at least two optional frequencies.
9.9 Alcoholic Beverages
9.9.1 Official and personal Use
Missions are entitled to import and acquire duty-free and tax-free alcoholic beverages for their official use. Official use means that alcohol is served by a diplomatic mission free of charge to a specified group of guests invited by the Head of mission or another member of the diplomatic staff. It is also required that serving takes place at the premises of a mission or at other specified premises reserved for the mission´s use.
If the event is arranged at a restaurant, the use of alcohol is not considered as official even though the other above requirements are met. If a mission wishes to serve alcoholic beverages in a licensed serving area (such as a restaurant), it may request the holder of the serving licence to order the beverages from a wholesaler.
The mission may also import or acquire the beverages but they must be sold to the holder of the serving licence. In order to do this, the mission must apply for a temporary wholesale licence from the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health. The holder of the serving licence may then sell the beverages back to the mission for a price, including taxes, and serve them at the event.
More information on licence issues is available on the web site of FICORA at www.ficora.fi (please choose in English →Our Services)
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