There was shocking news for Russians this week, as they suddenly discovered beer was alcoholic.
Until this point, because its alcohol content was less than 10%, beer was considered a foodstuff in Russia. When Graham brought in beer
for lunch last week we sent him home. Now we realise his time in Russia changed his perspective on beer.
The revelation that beer is, in fact, an alcoholic beverage and not a food stuff or a healthy alternative to vodka, is not without its consequences for the Russian people. New measures have been introduced to “stop alcohol being sold in unlicensed kiosks, ban its sale from stores between certain hours and restrict its advertising” according to the BBC report. These will come into effect as of 2013, which means that in two years time Russians will no longer be able to have beer as an acceptable meal supplement.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Vadim Drobiz, director of the Centre for Federal and Regional Alcohol Market Studies said:
“The law brings some order into the sale of beer.” We can see a television series franchise in beer’s future.
According to the BBC report “Russian alcohol consumption is already twice the critical level set by the World Health Organization, [and] Over the past decade, beer sales in Russia have risen more than 40% while vodka sales have fallen by nearly 30%.”
Our man on the ground gave us this offering on today’s story:
“Local Beck’s Grolsch had this to say; this move has taken a lot of Courage, although some people may find it a tough Pil’s to swallow. We’re trying not to feel Bitter and I Amstel positive that it’s for the Best if it Foster’s better health.” We think he’s been listening to the voices in his head again…
Since Russia is quite near Sweden we asked the incomparable Mr. Oliver Coey, public figure, fan icon and recent founding member of the Council for Common Sense (CCS) for his thoughts on the story. He told us:
“To all Russians, I would like to emphasise the importance of drinking responsibly and not to get too carried away with this quite unexpected alcoholic re-categorisation.”
You can read the full BBC report here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14232970
I don’t agree that beer is not a foodstuff, as a Pub Owner myself we have many Patrons that come in every evening for their dinner- In the liquid form.