Russia: State Duma banned beer drinking in public

The State Duma backed a ban on drinking beer in public, the latest in series of legislative measures aimed at regulating health and public behavior, The Associated Press reported May 24.

The bill passed by a vote of 377-0 in a first reading. The measure would prohibit beer drinking in streets, parks and public squares for both adults and minors. Only licensed restaurants and cafes would be allowed to serve beer and alcohol in open-air settings.

The bill, which must still go through two more readings, would impose fines of up to 300 rubles ($12) on violators. Drinking vodka and other hard alcohol beverages in public is already banned, though the restriction is rarely enforced.