Last week in class we discussed the issue in Russia at the moment regarding heavy drinking and the government’s role in controlling the consumption by most of the population. As we read from the article, vodka and liquor plays a significant role in Russia’s lifestyle because according to the Globe and Mail, “official data showing the average Russian drank 18 litres of pure alcohol each year.” Due largely in part to these staggering statistics, the government has now introduced new legislation and policies to curb major alcohol abuse. This excerpt from the Globe and Mail also says, “ Russia has moved to triple the excise duty on beer and is considering drastic limits on where and when beer can be sold, such as banning the sale on street side kiosks.There are also plans to raise duties for vodka, but these are separate measures that do not take effect yet.” Although many believe the Russian governement is taking the right steps towards stopping alcohol dependancy but this poses a major question which we have debated about:

Is this the role of government or business?

The following is my stance on the issue but feel free to voice your opinion as well:

The government and business should both play a part in curbing excessive heavy drinking in Russia. The government’s job is to keep people safe and healthy, therefore, instituting a wide array of new laws and bans that are aimed to stop the rise in alcohol consumption. However, in a business stand point, this has both a positive and negative stance because minimum prices for alcohol will mean even higher profit margins when products are being sold but the downside is because of the new price increases, people who earn minimum salaries will have to cut back on their consumption meaning possibly lower sales.