Russia could raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 and restrict alcohol sales in residential areas this year, Gazeta RVS reported.
The change would be part of President Vladimir Putin’s ambitious plan to overhaul Russia’s economy by the end of his last term in office. The total spend will be $391 billion including almost $26.5 billion in healthcare.
According to proposals debated ahead of an advisory presidential state council meeting planned for April, the increase in the legal drinking age could become effective as early as Dec. 1 2019, and alcohol sales could be restricted in residential areas and restaurants by the same date.
Russia’s Ministry of Health said it supports measures to curb alcohol usage in the country.
“The Ministry of Health of Russia supports measures aimed at restricting the demonstration of alcoholic beverages, and also believes that the introduction of this norm would reduce the consumption of alcoholic products by the population,” said Oleg Salagay, deputy head of the department.
Putin set up the advisory council in 2000 based on similar councils used in Soviet and pre-revolutionary times.
Other potential health initiatives include slapping more taxes companies that sell alcohol and tobacco, as well as introducing excise duties on foods with excess sugar and salt.
Employers could also contribute toward fees for staffers’ gym memberships, and banks could extend health-related benefits to customers and staff who obtain auto insurance, the report said.
