26 January 2010, 12:43
In the morning program at Channel 5 on Tuesday, Mykola Tomenko, Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, briefed on the newly-adopted legislative requirements concerning restriction of consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages.
The Deputy Chairman stated that the Parliament had adopted the Law on restriction of consumption and sale of beer and low-alcoholic beverages (Reg. No. 1171) last week. M.Tomenko stated that adoption of the Law was preconditioned by the fact that "Ukraine is the only European country, where low-alcoholic beverages and beer were not treated as alcohol". "Any adolescent could buy a bottle of beer or low-alcoholic drink in the shop, being not asked about his age", - M.Tomenko stated.
"We faced a unique situation, when the funds of alcohol-producing companies helped explain that beer and low-alcoholic beverages were useful for children, - M.Tomenko stressed. It is of utter importance to meet the European standards, recognizing these beverages as alcoholic ones. Consequently, all the restrictions extend onto these beverages".
Thus, this document treats low-alcoholic beverages and beer as alcoholic beverages. 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. The Law also restricts the places of their sale.
According to M.Tomenko, adoption of the Law provides for the civilized holding of mass events. Pursuant to the Law, for the period of mass events, village, township and municipal councils are authorized to prohibit or restrict sale of beer (except in plastic container), alcoholic and low-alcoholic beverages and tobacco goods.
The Deputy Chairman also addressed the public figures who lead the anti-alcoholism and anti-smoking campaigns.
M.Tomenko deems necessary to hold educational and social advertising campaign. "Ukraine must develop a national educational campaign aimed at the promotion of healthy and active lifestyle", - he stated, calling on the leading TV companies to launch a television social advertising campaign.