Lithuanian parliament eases alcohol sale, advertising restrictions

VILNIUS - The Seimas of Lithuania on Thursday adopted amendments to the Law on Alcohol Control, easing alcohol sale and advertising restrictions.

59 lawmakers voted in favor of the amendments tabled by the Economy and Innovation Ministry, 25 voted against and 11 abstained.

The Seimas allowed the sale of alcoholic beverages with alcohol content of up to 15 percent at fairs, exhibitions and mass events, and not only beer and cider with alcohol content of up to 7.5 percent, as has been the case until now. Right now the sale of low-alcohol cocktails, wine, sparkling wine, liqueurs and mead is currently also not allowed at such events.

The amendments also ease the requirement for alcohol licenses as they will not be issues until a person's criminal record has expired. Until now, convicted persons have not bee able to obtain them at all. 

The Seimas also legalized alcohol as a representation gift, and also created a more competitive environment for alcohol sellers at events.

Also, alcohol-related information and information on food and drink pairings on online platforms, such as Bolt Food or Wolt, as well as information on awards received by companies, drink production technologies, traditions will not be considered alcohol advertising.

A complete ban on alcohol advertising is now in place in Lithuania, and  only information on labeling, the country of origin or the producer can be published. This information is only available on producers and sellers' official websites. 

The Seimas also allowed holding alcohol tastings on the premises of alcohol production. Currently, tastings are only allowed at fairs and exhibitions.