In the months since the amendments limiting the hours of sale of alcoholic beverages came into effect, there has been no trend towards an increase in the spread of illegal alcohol in Latvia, reported the Ministry of Health, citing data from the State Police.
At a meeting of the National Council on Alcoholism, representatives of the State Police stated that the past months have been a relatively short period, and it is currently impossible to draw broader conclusions about the consequences of the changes. The Ministry of Health shares the same opinion, promising initial conclusions about the impact of the amendments on alcohol consumption at the beginning of next year, with a more comprehensive assessment only a year later.
Representatives of the State Police reported that from August 1 to September 30, 19 test purchases were conducted, including those involving minors, as well as other control measures. From August 1 to October 8, one administrative case was initiated for the illegal purchase of alcoholic beverages, three cases for selling alcohol between 10 PM and 8 AM, and 12 administrative cases for selling alcohol to minors.
During these few months, 16 administrative cases were initiated for the illegal production, supply, storage, or movement of alcoholic products. Another seven criminal cases were initiated for the illegal sale of alcoholic products, and ten for the illegal production, storage, and movement of alcoholic products. During the same period, 49 criminal cases were initiated for the illegal storage, movement, and sale of alcoholic products and tobacco products.
Regarding advertising restrictions, a representative of the Consumer Rights Protection Center (CRPC) noted that one of the issues is defining the boundary between advertising a product and advertising prices and discounts, which has been restricted since August 1. The CRPC works with traders on a 'consult first' principle, so upon initial detection of a violation, the trader is not punished immediately but advised to make the necessary changes.
As stated by the head of the Latvian Association of Traders, Heinrich Danusevich, the amendments to the law most affect small grocery stores, reducing their turnover and income. About 10% of them have already closed or will close in the near future.
