Mykola Tomenko: Fighting Alcohol Abuse, the State Duma of the Russian Federation used Legislative Experience of Ukraine
Mykola Tomenko, Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, informed that the Law restricting consumption and sale of beer and low-alcoholic beverages came into effect a year ago. As a co-author of the Law, M.Tomenko reminded of its legislative novelties. Thus, the law qualifies low-alcoholic beverages and beer as alcoholic beverages, and restricts consumption and sale of low-alcoholic beverages to the individuals under 18. Under the Law, it is prohibited to sell and consume beer, alcoholic and low-alcoholic beverages and tobacco goods in public places, especially, in the places of mass events. The Law prohibits consumption of these beverages in public transport, at the territories of children playgrounds, at the educational and public health establishments, and other institutions. "Adoption of this law was a right step, as proved by the fact that the State Duma of Russia followed the suit, having adopted the law which settles a range of issues resolved by the Ukrainian Parliament," M.Tomenko stated.
The Deputy Chairman stated that Russian deputies set more sever restrictions on sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, including beer. Similar drafts have only been registered at the Ukrainian parliament.
M.Tomenko deems necessary to restrict advertising of beer, particularly direct and trademark advertising. Such an approach will signify implementation of the European experience.
The Deputy Chairman appreciates that Oleksandr Anishchenko, Minister of Public Health of Ukraine, called for prohibiting advertising of beer. M.Tomenko reminded that in December, the Verkhovna Rada recommitted the bill "On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On Advertising" (re Advertising of Alcoholic Beverages and Beer) (Reg. No. 1014-2), The bill, submitted by M.Tomenko and A.Shevchenko, prohibits direct radio and TV advertising of alcoholic beverages and beer before 24.00, and bans sponsorship of TV and radio programs, theatrical performances and concerts, sports and other events with the use of trademarks of tobacco goods and alcoholic beverages (only trademarks of breweries shall be used by the sponsorship of concert and sports events). M.Tomenko admitted that the bill was rejected on the insistence of the Government.
The Deputy Chairman expects the parliament to renew the fight against TV advertising of beer. "We can come back to this topic, provided the Government endorses our bill," M.Tomenko summed up.