Russia Finally Admits That Beer is Alcohol

(From Slate, 2/24/11):

The Russian government recently embarked on an alcohol crackdown. But until now, beer has eluded its grasp. That's because brewski was (perhaps appropriately) categorized as a foodstuff, allowing brewers to avoid new regulations being rolled out to curb excessive drinking in Russia. On Tuesday, the lower house of the Russian parliament endorsed a bill to classify beer as alcohol. If the Kremlin-backed measure passes, it will limit beer sales at night and bar brew from being sold near schools. Though beer is not Russia's traditional alcohol of choice, it's become quite a problem for a people accustomed to kicking back vodka. "With a historic penchant for strong spirits," writes Reuters, "many ordinary Russians regard beer as a soft drink." Beer consumption has tripled in Russia over the past 15 years, although it still lags behind the United States. With Russians downing 32 pints of pure alcohol each per year (over twice the max amount recommended by the World Health Organisation), the nation's alcohol habits are having a severe effect on its population growth. In light of these problems, officials from the ministry of health are cheering on the bill. "Normalising the beer production market and classifying it as alcohol is totally the right thing to do and will boost the health of our population," said the ministry's specialist on alcohol and drug abuse.

Read original story in Reuters | Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011