Russia, Moscow: The overwhelming majority of Russians, about 80%, support in one way or other the bill banning beer drinking in public places and only 16% are opposed, according to a ROMIR Monitoring poll, Interfax revealed on January 12. Only 16 % were opposed to the move, the poll said A total of 1,500 adults in 100 cities and towns were polled. The most ardent supporters of the ban live in the Northwestern federal district, where 85% of respondents supported the ban and the most lax in the Siberian federal district (76%).

In small towns intolerance to people drinking beer in the streets is the greatest (89%) while in big cities the figure is 72%. The older the polled, the stronger the support for the ban. Thus among young people 71% support the ban, among senior citizens 84%.

This week Russian president Vladimir Putin turned down the federal law banning the drinking of beer in public, demanding amendments. The act was approved by the two houses of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, and the Federation Council, at the end of 2004, Moscow News commented on January 11. President Putin wants the legislation to make clear where beer-drinking will be banned, and to allow non-alcoholic or low-alcohol types to be drunk outside.

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 .