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Russia: Russian president Vladimir Putin turned down the federal law banning the drinking of beer in public, demanding amendments. The act was approved by the two houses of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, and the Federation Council, at the end of 2004, Moscow News commented on January 11. President Putin wants the legislation to make clear where beer-drinking will be banned, and to allow non-alcoholic or low-alcohol types to be drunk outside.

The head of the Duma’s economic politics, business and tourism committee, Valery Draganov, was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying Putin sent a letter to the Duma saying the law’s regulations on territorial restrictions of beer retail and on its sale to minors needed to be specified. Putin also wrote that the law’s norms regarding the ban on beer drinking in public places needs to be specified. The bodies of local self-government must receive powers to set aside places where it will be allowed to sell beer and other beer-based beverages, the agency cited the president’s letter.

The bill is expected to be revised and submitted to the State Duma again in the near future, Lyubov Sliska, the deputy speaker of Russia’s State Duma, the lower house of parliament, told reporters on January 11. Late 2004, the bill was approved by both houses of Russian parliament, the State Duma and the Federation Council. The bill prohibits drinking beer and beer-based beverages on streets, in stadiums, on public transportation, in parks, and in other places where there are no cafes or restaurants. The sale of beer and beer-based beverages would be banned near schools and universities and to people under the age of 18. Originally, the law was set to come into force on April 1, 2005.

The move was welcomed by the brewing industry, one of the country's fastest growing markets. Beer consumption in Russia has doubled in the past five years, and is blamed in part for high rates of alcoholism. The surge in beer sales follows a ban on drinking vodka and other strong liquor in public, as Moscow tackles Russia's hard-drinking culture. Around 30% of the beer bought in Russia is consumed immediately, as many people find it too expensive to buy alcohol in restaurants and bars.


12 January, 2005