Therefore, the parliament has decided contrary to what was previously decided in the Social and Labor Affairs Commission of the Saeima, where this proposal was supported.
At present, alcohol can be bought by persons over the age of 18.
Along with the amendments supported today, it is intended to limit the advertising, marketing and availability of alcoholic beverages. It is also planned to ensure that the consumer will receive additional information about the energy value, nutritional value and composition of alcoholic beverages.
In order to reduce the impulsive purchase of alcohol, the amendments provide for the prohibition of sales promotion measures that offer to buy several units of alcoholic beverages at a lower price, as well as discounts on alcoholic beverages in the consumer loyalty program.
The amendments intend to establish that the advertising of prices and discounts of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited in press publications, printed advertising publications and publications for consumers, cinemas, websites and online, using postal (including electronic mail) services, as well as in retail outlets where alcoholic beverages are sold.
It is also planned to impose a ban on selling (including using a distance contract) and providing services in places that have or have not been issued a special permit (including beauty salons, hair salons, wedding salons, electrical goods stores, car accessories stores, etc.), to offer alcoholic beverages for free, as a gift or compensation.
The bill also envisages establishing that the retail sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption at gaming machines, card, dice and roulette tables or other gambling equipment will be prohibited in places where gambling is organized. The purpose of this norm is to separate two addictive processes, says the annotation of the draft law.
The Saeima will still have to vote on these amendments in the final reading.
Tags: proposal increase minimum age purchasing alcohol years rejected
