Health Minister Juras Pozela said the changes had been drafted in accordance to the proposals prepared by a task force he had set up, adding they were subject to changes after discussion with relevant institutions.
“It is difficult to forecast the final version to be submitted to the government by the ministry,” he said.
The minister said he personally supported the recommendations of the World Health Organization and other international experts on ways of fighting alcohol abuse problems, including reduction of alcohol accessibility and advertisements.
The Lithuanian parliament is currently discussing a number of amendments on restriction and full ban of alcohol ads. Pozela could not say whether the bills would be adopted before the general elections scheduled for October.
The amendments, which have been registered by the ministry and are yet to be endorsed by the government and then by the parliament and the president, envisages a ban on hidden advertisement of alcoholic beverages.
It also stipulates stricter fines for selling alcohol to minors – fines should grow from the current €289-868 to €1,448-€2,896.
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