Lithuanian town to be completely liquor-free during midsummer festival

Jonava Municipal Council decided to ban sale of strong alcoholic beverages during Joninės, Lithuania’s midsummer festival.

The ban will apply not just on the festival site, but throughout the town, affecting shops, restaurants and bars.

The council has decided to ban alcoholic beverages of more than 7.5% ABV (alcohol by volume).

Under the current legislation, the municipal council can only ban the trade of alcohol during official holidays.

However, some council members thought the measure did not go far enough.

“Trade at Joninės festival does not change – as in the past, alcohol weaker 7.5% ABV will be sold. This means that it will be possible to get drunk at the festival, how else would you call a person drinking four pints of 7.5% beer?” said Liberal council member Remigijus Osauskas, suggesting a total ban on alcohol sale in the festival venue.

Jonava district municipality is the first in Lithuania to ban strong alcoholic beverages during a mass festival in the entire municipality.

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