Specific decisions have not yet been taken, the proposals will be put to the vote at the next sitting.
Currently, alcohol sales are banned between 22:00 and 08:00. Exceptions to time limits could apply to small beer and wine producers. This proposal will also still have to be voted on.
Meanwhile, the Saeima's responsible Committee on Social and Labour Affairs discussed restrictions on alcohol sales for two hours on Tuesday, November 7, the idea of banning or restricting alcohol sales on the internet, as well as the proposal to ban alcohol sales in petrol stations and their territory. Specific decisions were not yet taken by MPs on Tuesday. The previous Commission meeting succeeded in supporting the idea of selling alcohol from the age of 20 and not 18.
The debate over alcohol sales on the internet took an hour. Doctors asked for it to be banned. Alcohol ordering and delivery also rose since remote sales rose during the Covid pandemic.
“There were family scandals. There was alcohol use, buying and delivering online. Children suffered at home. Taken by ambulance, taken by police to medical facilities. And now, unfortunately, it continues. Because this distance trade has been launched,“ Astrīda Stirna, head of the Narcology help center, told MPs.
The industry objected.
MPs are expected to vote on distance trade at the next meeting.
A ban on the marketing of alcohol at fueling stations and their areas could then also be voted on.
