Armenian MPs propose to ease ad restrictions

Armenian politicians have drafted a bill which would lift certain restrictions on TV advertising for alcohol.

The ruling Republican Party of Armenia has proposed a bill to lift alcohol and tobacco advertising restrictions in the country

The Armenian Government has postponed approval of the bill, which has been proposed by the ruling Republican Party of Armenia.

According to investigative journalism website hetq, if passed, the bill would allow for beverages with more than 20% abv, as well as tobacco, to be advertised on national television from 10pm to 6am.

Current laws state that only brandy produced in Armenia may be advertising on television in a bid to encourage domestic production of the spirit.

If the bill is passed, analysts believe that both the alcohol industry and ailing national TV stations would benefit, pulling in 1 billion Armenian dram (AMD).

The Spirits Business reported in September that opponents to a proposed bill to ban all alcohol advertising in South Africa have grown louder since it was revealed the move could negatively impact on the economy.