Russia: State Duma on its way to rating beer as alcoholic beverage

The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament, has approved in the first reading a draft bill rating beer as an alcoholic beverage, Ria Novosti reported on November, 8.

Under current Russian law, beer is not considered an alcoholic drink. More than half of the population of Russia - about 57%- drinks beer regularly. Young people living in cities are said to be the key consumers of beer.

If the draft bill passes final reading, production and sale of beer will be subject to licensing. Besides, sale of beer of more than 5% ABV will be banned in public places, including railway and bus stations, airports, metros, wholesale markets, and kiosks.

08 November, 2010