In particular, the draft concept of state policy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol in Ukraine in 2012-2020 is being adjusted for the first reading (Reg.No.7372). The document defines the directions of activity and tools of implementation of state and regional policy to reduce the use of alcoholic beverages, prevention of alcoholism, as well as its negative consequences. The concept was drafted in line with the Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol ratified by the World Health Organization in 2010 and in line with generally recognized principles and norms of international law pertaining to ??health care and taking into account Ukrainian and international experience.
According to the text of the document, health care services are primarily responsible for countering damage caused by alcohol abuse.
The Concept includes the list of counteractions regarding driving in a state of intoxication, which includes:
prohibition to change the existing allowable upper limit of alcohol concentration in the drivers? biological matrices;
zero tolerance on the part of militia for driving while intoxicated and during court proceedings;
introduction of mandatory consulting program for drivers and, if necessary, treatment for persons who repeatedly commit offenses on the ground of alcoholism;
holding intensive outreach campaigns targeted both at specific situation (traditional holidays) and at specific target groups, such as youth, etc.
Apart from this, the text of the document provides the following restrictions for marketing and availability of alcoholic beverages:
licensing of alcoholic beverage retail sales;
regulating the number and location of places for sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages;
elaborating strict measures to eradicate illegal production and sale of alcoholic beverages;
increasing administrative responsibility, as well as introduction of criminal responsibility (in special cases) for selling alcohol to intoxicated minors, etc.
The Concept provides a number of measures to regulate price policy:
establishing progressive taxation system for producers of alcoholic beverages, taking into account the level of pure alcohol per unit of production;
prohibiting direct or indirect alcoholic beverage sales promotion at prices below the minimum established by the Government;
price incentives for non-alcoholic beverages, including non-alcoholic beer, etc.