Belarus National Assembly Considers Bill to Restrict Alcohol Ads to Alcohol Beverages

The Belarussian Chamber of Representatives has reportedly approved draft legislation that would stop the practice of advertising products and events other than alcohol beverages with names and logos that are confusingly similar to alcohol brands. Some bottled waters, for example, are apparently promoted with names, fonts and images that are associated with vodka brands with just a slight change in the nam —a practice referred to as “umbrella” advertising. Existing advertising law would be tightened to help reduce the use of alcohol, combat alcoholism and reduce tobacco consumption—the latter by applying the same standards to ad campaigns bearing a resemblance to tobacco product brands. The bill will become law unless rejected by the National Assembly’s Council of the Republic or the president. See Minskby.com, October 23, 2014.

Issue 542