Bashinform News Agency journalist asked Vladimir Putin question at press conference

UFA, 19 December 2019. /Bashinform News Agency/ translated by Tatiana Aksyutina/.

Azat Gizzatullin, a special correspondent for Bashinform News Agency, asked Russian President Vladimir Putin a question at the fifteenth press conference of the head of state. Our colleague was interested in measures to combat alcoholism.

“This year in Bashkiria, they began an experiment to combat alcohol – it is not sold on holidays, during school leaving parties, festivities. And now its sale is partially limited during the New Year holidays. Besides, they actively combat illegal alcohol traffickers - ordinary people are even paid for information about places of illegal trade and production. As our Head of the Republic Radiy Khabirov said, due to these measures, it was possible to save the lives of about one hundred people. But mortality is growing over the country. They have already tried to ban, to impose more strict fines. In your opinion, what measures are still needed at the federal level? And maybe there are even more effective methods, like to offer people something instead of drinking? ”, Azat Gizzatullin asked.

According to Vladimir Putin, the fight against the surrogate alcohol sale and excessive drinking are underway; just many people do not notice it.

“Recently, in Sochi, during a meeting with representatives of German business, we found out that Russia consumes less alcohol than Germany in terms of pure alcohol. And this is the result of an anti-alcohol campaign. According to the World Health Organization, one of the reasons for increasing life expectancy is a decrease in alcohol consumption. In this area, we should act carefully, explain, and focus on products with lower alcohol content. We should work without resorting to police methods”, the president replied.