Lagodekhi District MP Requests Liberalization of Prohibition Norms on the Advertisment of Alcohol and Tobacco Products

Nino Devidze, Kakheti

Single-seat MP from Lagodekhi district Giorgi Gozalishvili submitted draft amendments to the Law on Advertisement to the Parliament of Georgia. The MP requests to liberalize the norm prohibiting advertisements of alcohol and tobacco near schools and sport organizations. 

According to the draft law initiated by Giorgi Gozalishvili, trading units operating within 100 meter radius from public schools and sport organizations, will have right to place advertisements of alcohol and tobacco products inside the perimeter. “According to current edition, restaurants and shops do not have right to place advertisements even in special cases. They do not have right to offer alcohol drinks or cigarettes even inside the premise. I think shops shall have right to place advertisement cases inside their space and exhibit similar products,” Giorgi Gozalishvili said.

The MP said, the legislative initiative does not contradict the restrictions set by the law. “The law already prohibits selling alcohol products to persons under 21; so protection mechanisms for adults will work. The initiated bill intends to allow advertisements inside the premise but the norms will not be changed for the exterior.”

In accordance to the Law of Georgia on Advertising, advertising of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products shall not be placed at children, educational and medical institutions, cultural and sports organizations and within 100 meters of the premises. The law also prohibits placement of advertisement of strong drinks and tobacco products, in whatever form, in avenues, on bridges and squares and transport means in cities and other settlements.

Lagodekhi district single-seat MP submitted the bill to the parliament last week though it is not known when the legislative body will start discussion of the initiative.