The deputies decided to support wine-making sector by permitting publicity of wine in printed mass media and through the Internet. Corresponding changes in the law are already approved by the Duma working group of defense of the rights of entrepreneurs. The amendments are supposed to be taken up by the State Duma in May. One of the initiators of the project, member of the party “Edinya Rossia” Viktor Zvagelskiy, stated that this permission will touch qualified wines only, dangerous products with spirit additives will stay banned. The reason is that wine consumption doesn't provoke such a mass alcoholism as strong drinks. According to the opinion of the chief exert of narcology of Russia Evgeniy Brune, all alcoholic drinks without exceptions should be advertised and sold in big specialized shops only. He insists that before appearance of a strict State regulation of wine production, its publicity should be banned. The ban of advertisement of alcohol products in printed mass media and through Internet became operative on the 1st of January 2013. Publicity of alcohol is also forbidden on TV, radio and movies, in all kinds of public transport, at the street constructions and billboards, as well as at the establishments for children, educational foundations, medical, sportive and cultural institutions. According to the words of Vadim Drobiz, director of the sector agency ZIFRRA, due to the ban of advertising of wine, its sales decreased in the second half of 2012 to 7%, and in the 1st quarter of 2013 – to 6%. Average consumption level of wine in Russia is 4,5l per person, strong drinks – 16 l, beer – 75 l. Source – www.alconews.ru