Russia Wants to Get on the Wagon

I may have posted about this before (not sure), but it's back in the news again. While I don't like the fact that Russians are known as big drinkers, the libertarian in me says that the Russian government is wrong to try to kill all the alcohol in the country. The black market is one thing, but to reduce consumption by half is a lofty goal that can only happen if they start going after legitimate alcohol manufacturers. It just seems wrong. Besides, I bet Vladimir Putin knocks back a few brewski's now and then.

Putin Aims to Cut Alcohol Consumption by Half
If Vladimir Putin has his way, Russian alcohol consumption will be half of what it is today in 10 years time.

That’s the goal of Russia’s prime minister by the year 2020, according to an anti-alcohol strategy document that was posted on a government Web site this week. Under Putin’s plan, national demand for alcohol will be cut by 15 percent between 2010 and 2012 and then another 55 percent between 2013 and 2020.

Read the full story here.

Russia Seeks to Kill Alcohol Industry

I could write something about how it's wrong for the government to try to run an entire industry out of business just because the business's customers have no sense of responsibility ... but why do that when I can just point out how hilarious the photo is that accompanied this article?

Russia Says Farewell to Cheap Vodka
In the latest step in President Dmitry Medvedev’s mission to curb Russian alcohol abuse, a Russian government commission ordered a minimum price to be set for vodka.

A draft bill approved by the commission has the potential to raise the price of the cheapest vodka by more than 50 percent, according to reports. The minimum price for a half liter bottle of vodka is to be set at 89 roubles ($3.10). Read the full story here ...