Putin takes dramatic action:

[DrLeftover]

Vodka prices: Putin calls for cap amid economic crisis

24 Dec

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his government to curb rising vodka prices.

Mr Putin, who has been hit by increasing economic woes, said that high prices encouraged the consumption of illegal and possibly unsafe alcohol.

Russia's currency, the rouble, has lost value recently due to falling oil prices and Western sanctions.

The country's former finance minister warned that Russia would enter recession next year.
Contributing factor

Mr Putin, who promotes a healthy lifestyle, asked "relevant agencies" to think about what he said, adding that the government should fight against the illegal trafficking of alcohol.

According to a leading university study last year, 25% of Russian men die before reaching their mid-50s, Reuters reports.

Alcohol was found to be a contributing factor in some of these early deaths.

Since last year, the government-regulated minimum price of half a litre (17 oz) of vodka has increased by around 30% to 220 roubles ($4.10; £2.64), Reuters adds.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30599341

 

[Webster]

Oh, this should make Russians happy...isn't vodka their national beverage?

 

[Nebulous]

Leave Brittany alone!

...I mean vodka

 

[WHO IS SERAFIN]

You gotta give the people something to drown there sorrows when the economy is crashing faster then you can say bootleg vodka.

 

[seasidemike]

I liked it better before all the Ukraine bullshit when the East and West were getting along.
Hard to believe that only last Feb everyone including the USA were enjoying themselves at the fabulous Winter Olympics I'm Russia.

 

[+paradox]

You gotta give the people something to drown there sorrows when the economy is crashing faster then you can say bootleg vodka.

What about how great the american economy with millions unemployed and/or homeless? and how worthless the federal reserve note aka the american dollar?

 

[WHO IS SERAFIN]

You gotta give the people something to drown there sorrows when the economy is crashing faster then you can say bootleg vodka.

What about how great the american economy with millions unemployed and/or homeless? and how worthless the federal reserve note aka the american dollar?

What about it?