In the alcohol market once again exacerbated the issue of control of small brewers. “Support of Russia” opposed the initiative of a group of senators, who propose to oblige small producers to set the meters for accounting of the products. There indicate that the initiative is already having the best such devices are the major players and lead to higher prices for the products of small brewers. Competitors, for their part, advocate for equal regulation for all participants.”Support of Russia” addressed to the Chairman of the Duma Committee on economic policy, industry, innovative development and entrepreneurship Sergei Zhigareva not to adopt new amendments to the law on production and turnover of alcohol, concerning the regulation of the beer market. A copy of the letter is “b”. We are talking about the amendments prepared by the group of senators headed by Sergey Ryabukhina. In particular, they propose to require manufacturers of beer, beer drinks, cider, etc. with equipment with a capacity of 300 thousand dal per year to install meters to check the volume of production, procurement, storage and supply. According to the authors, the measures will increase the accountability of alcohol and the level of market legalization.Today, the counters of accounting of finished products are required to have brewers that produce more than 300 thousand decalitres of the beverage a year. The distribution of this requirement on businesses with less power being discussed for several years. Been proposed including the gradual installation of meters, first at the brewery with a capacity from 100 thous, then — from 50 thousand has given, and finally — from 25 thousand gave a year (see “Kommersant” on March 23, 2018).As noted in the “Support of Russia”, the new amendments do not imply a minimum power threshold, and also contrary to the purposes and objectives of the “regulatory guillotine”. Question about the abolition of the counters for the brewers was discussed at the meeting of the relevant working group, where the votes are equally divided.Support the installation of meter manufacturers of strong alcohol and transnational companies that have invested in this equipment, indicate in the “Support of Russia”. They are confident that the ambiguity of the results of the vote suggests the need for more study of the issue. In the state Duma Committee on issues “b” is not answered. The Ministry of Finance review are also not provided.The Chairman of the Committee on manufacture of beer and fermented beverages, “Support of Russia” Alexei nebol’sin estimates the cost of meter installation for one line is about 400 thousand. According to him, the costs directly affect the price of products, which is more expensive than beer multinational companies. During restrictions in pandemic COVID-19 small brewers are faced with falling demand due to the closure of bars, restaurants, and in some regions — and beer shop��s, and the new amendments will further complicate the players exit from the crisis, says Mr. nebol’sin.Senior Director for work with state bodies “Baltika” (part of the Carlsberg Group) Irina Fedorova notes that the counters provide more control over production and turnover of beer products: “If this measure is adopted, it must act, otherwise there is the potential for abuse.” Director of legal and corporate Affairs of AB InBev Efes the oraz Durdyev explains that, from the point of view of the regulator, the measure will significantly expand the coverage of meters of small producers, to increase fiscal discipline, etc. But we need to continue working to increase reliability and efficiency of this equipment, he adds.The Union of alcohol producers (includes Roust, Beluga Group, etc.) supported the amendment. They believe that all producers of alcohol must be licensed, products must be labeled, sold and fixed in USAIS and have a minimum retail price. The measures will allow consumers to receive high quality and safe product, explain to the Union and the state excise tax in full. Alcohol producers can avoid unfair competition from unscrupulous market participants that do not pay their excise tax.Anatoly Kostyriv
