Russia: The Associated Press The Federation Council on Sunday, August 8, approved a bill that will put some of Europe's toughest restrictions on beer ads. Under the measure, brewers will not be able to advertise their products on TV or radio from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. At other times, the ads will not be allowed to show humans, animals or animated characters or imply that beer is connected with social or athletic success. Advertisers cannot imply that it quenches thirst, according to The Moscow Times.

The Federation Council approved the measure in a 142-9 vote with six abstentions. The State Duma approved it Thursday. Now it goes to President Vladimir Putin for his signature. The Brewers Union has warned that the new prohibitions will undermine beer companies' sponsorship of sports events on television.

Sergei Mironov, speaker of the Federation Council, had earlier told Itar-Tass that senators would likely propose some amendments to the measure this fall that would ensure that brewers' financial support to sports is not reduced. He did not specify what those amendments would be.

11 August, 2004