Russia: Russia's upper house of parliament on Wednesday, December 08, 2004 passed a tougher version of a bill controlling public beer sales and consumption after rejecting the original last month. The bill, amended after the Federation Council upper house of parliament threw out the first one on Nov. 10, was approved by 134 votes in favour and two against. It must still be signed into law by President Vladimir Putin.

The bill bans beer sales on public transport and in cultural and sports buildings as well as near schools. It also forbids drinking beer on the street and in stadiums, parks and on public transport.

In the last five years beer consumption has doubled in Russia, especially among the younger generation, making it the fastest growing beer market in the world after China.

Some 30 percent of beer sold is intended for immediate consumption. SUN Interbrew controlled by Belgium's InBev, says 67 percent of its Russian sales are made at small street kiosks.

The beer bill is one of a series of measures aimed at improving the life expectancy of Russians, which is far lower than people's in Western countries.

Last month the upper house of parliament approved a bill to restrict smoking in public places and tobacco sales.

E-malt.com, the global information source for the brewing and malting industry professionals. The bi-weekly E-malt.com Newsletters feature latest industry news, statistics in graphs and tables, world barley and malt prices, and other relevant information. Click here to get full access to E-malt.com. If you are a Castle Malting client, you can get free access to E-malt.com website and publications. Contact us for more information at marketing@castlemalting.com .