Events

“Instructions have been given to prevent poor-quality products from penetrating the domestic market and reduce the shady trade in alcohol beverages. Apart from the state budget losing money, poor-quality alcohol represents a threat to the health and lives of the people,” noted Alexander Lukashenko.

The head of state underlined that alcohol products are a special excisable kind of merchandise, trade in which is closely controlled by the government everywhere on the planet. “Belarus is no exception. We permanently keep an eye on the matter. The state enjoys monopoly on everything in this field. Whether it is true is the first question that has to be answered today,” said the President.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded that a special decree was passed on 1 July 2015 to introduce additional protective measures to bolster the state regulation of the manufacturing and turnover of alcohol products.

However, Alexander Lukashenko underlined that certain negative trends still persist in this area. In particular, more alcohol is imported, shady trade in alcohol products is on the rise, while domestic production is falling. “Unfortunately, the government has been extremely indecisive in taking measures to protect the domestic market. It won’t do,” believes the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko said he would like those present to provide clear answers to a number of questions. In particular, what interferes with the protection of the domestic market? Why does not export grow but falls although the alcohol production capacity exceeds the domestic demand by two times? What measures are taken to promote Belarusian products in retail in Belarus and abroad?

Alexander Lukashenko warned those present against coming up with excuses for the poor state of affairs in the alcohol industry. He said he wanted concrete measures to protect people.