15 June 2010, 10:21
Mykola Tomenko, Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, commented upon the grave statistics of tragic accidents on the water since the start of the beach season (since 1 May, 14 people have drowned in the water basins of the capital). He stressed that unrestricted consumption of alcoholic beverages on the beaches was a key factor. "A similar tendency is observed in other regions as well", M.Tomenko stated.
M.Tomenko addressed Kyiv local authorities and law-enforcement officials, and drew attention of the entire local self-government system to the fact that the Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to several Laws of Ukraine regarding Restriction of Consumption and Sale of Beer and Low-Alcoholic Beverages" (Reg. No. 1824) had come into force on 11 February. 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. 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.
"In due time, at the request of the local self-government representatives, we legislatively authorized the local self-government bodies to regulate prohibition or restriction of consumption of alcoholic beverages in the public places", M.Tomenko stated. He stressed that pursuant to the Law, the local self-government bodies village, township and municipal councils governing the territory of beaches are authorized to prohibit sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages and beer. M.Tomenko believes that is it incomprehensible that the local authorities fail to implement this provision to prevent further tragic accidents.