Russia finally rules beer is ‘alcohol’ and not food

RUSSIAN President Dmitry Medvedev has recently signed a bill that officially classifies beer as being ‘alcoholic’.

Up until now, anything containing less than 10% alcohol in Russia was considered a foodstuff.

Signed into law on Wednesday, the move will allow ministers to control the sale of beer in the same way that spirits are currently controlled in the country.

Given beer was classed as a foodstuff, it is not unusual to see ordinary Russians commuting to work having a sip of beer.

Although, the likes of vodka is traditionally associated with Russia, the popularity of beer has soared more than 40% over the past decade. Vodka sales have declined by almost 30%.

Drinking in public will be outlawed, although similar rules for the public drinking of spirits in Russia have been ignored for years.

Stores will be banned from selling alcohol between 11pm and 8am.

The rules will also enforce much stricter rules on advertising beer and selling alcohol to children.

The Kremlin has tightened up the law in an effort to tackle the high levels of alcoholism in the country. Previous efforts to triple the taxes levied on beer were unsuccessful in curbing its popularity.

However, the law doesn’t come into effect until January 2013.