The Seimas has liberalized alcohol trade and advertising

On Thursday, the Seimas adopted amendments to the Law on Alcohol Control, which liberalized alcohol trade and advertising.

59 members of the Seimas voted for the changes presented by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, 25 were against, and 11 abstained.

According to liberal Andrias Bagdon, many good results can be achieved with smaller bans.

“Laisvietis” Vytautas Mitalas emphasized that the layoffs are small, allowing equal competition.

“Products of natural fermentation up to 15 degrees will be available for sale at fairs, not just chemically colored cider,” said V. Mitala.

“Valstietis” Aurelijs Veryga criticized that the changes contradict the goals set by the state regarding the reduction of alcohol consumption.

Products of natural fermentation up to 15 degrees will be available for sale at fairs, not just chemically colored cider.

Social democrat Algirdas Sys was indignant that the amendments aim to create better business conditions for young families: “They will destroy other young families.”

The Seimas allowed the sale of alcohol with a strength of up to 15 degrees at fairs, exhibitions and mass events, instead of only beer and cider with a strength of up to 7.5 degrees, as has been the case so far. As a result, the sale of weak alcoholic cocktails, wine, sparkling wine, liqueurs, and mead is currently not allowed at such events.

The amendments also eased the conditions for licenses to sell alcohol – they will not be issued as long as there is an unexpired criminal record. Until now, convicted persons could not receive them at all.

The Seimas also canceled part of the types of one-time licenses for alcohol production, instead of nine, three types were introduced – according to the strength of the drinks. Now the five licenses are one-time, issued for trade at various events and fairs.

The Parliament also legalized the donation of alcohol to the representation, created more favorable competitive conditions for merchants selling different drinks at events.

Alcohol advertising will not be considered on Internet platforms, for example, “Bolt Food” or “Wolt” publishes alcohol-related information and information about food and alcoholic beverage combination sets, awards received by companies, beverage production technologies, traditions.

Currently, there is an absolute ban on alcohol advertising, so only information about labeling, country of origin or producer can be published. This information is published only on the official websites of manufacturers and dealers.

The Seimas also allowed the organization of tastings in alcohol production facilities. Tastings are currently only allowed at fairs and exhibitions.