Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec. 11
By Huseyn Hasanov– Trend:
The Law on Prevention of Harmful Effects of Alcohol, signed by Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, will come into force in the country Jan. 1, 2019, Trend reports citing the Turkmen media.
The law defines legal, organizational and economic framework of the government policy in this area.
Trade entities are prohibited from selling alcohol on non-working holidays (except for the provision of catering services) and memorable days, and from January 1, 2021 it will be prohibited to sell alcohol on Saturdays and Sundays.
The law prohibits the sale of alcohol products to persons under the age of 21. Retail trade in alcohol is prohibited for commercial facilities located in the territories or premises under the supervision of educational, medical and sports institutions, as well as at military facilities.
Retail sales of alcohol will be banned in catering facilities, including dining cars, on ships, inland vessels and aircraft.
The law prohibits any advertising of alcohol and establishes that the persons in need of treatment for alcohol addiction are provided with appropriate medical assistance in the manner established by the legislation of Turkmenistan.
From July 1, 2019, local alcoholic beverages should be labeled with warning about the consumption of alcohol.
In Turkmenistan, it is allowed to produce alcoholic beverages only using ethyl alcohol produced from food raw materials.
The issuance of licenses for the production of alcoholic beverages and control over compliance with the licensing requirements and conditions imposed on the production of alcoholic beverages is carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of Turkmenistan.