The American issue. [volume] (Westerville, Ohio) 1912-19??, 1928-09-01

gust 9, the Soviet government. moved by
the serious ravages of alcoholic liquors
upon public morale has adopted measures
drastically limiting the sale of vodka. A
commission recently appointed to study
and investigate the effects of the evil and
methods of fighting against it recently
worked out a special decree on the SUBJ
iect the salient points of which have al
ready been approved by the government
and will soon be Incorporated.
GRADUAL LIMITATION
The decree aims at the gradual linita-
ton of production and sale of alcohol and
alcoholic drinks. For 1923 and 1929 the
decree limits production of vodka TO 49,
100000 gallons, of which 40,500,000 gallons
will be allotted for urban populations.
The various economic planning commits
sions functioning throughout Russia are
instructed to steer for complete lquda-
ton of the manufacture and sale of vodka
within Is years. Soviet economists are
under orders to find new sources of rev.
enue destined to replace those accruing
from the sale of vodka, thus gradually
paving the way for its elimination.
Beginning with this year the production
of beer too is to be curtailed to no less
than per cent of last years figures. The
commission proposed the raising of the
vodka tax.
ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION
The decree aims e. the absolute pro-
hibition of any alcoholic drinks at any Of
fetal Soviet cooperative celebration, ban
quets and receptions. It is planned to
forbid the advertising of any alcoholic
drinks whatever, and strengthen the po-
lice measures now in vogue against in
toxioated persons appearing on the streets
or in public places. Under new ruling
the militia throughout Russia will have TO
take every intoxicated person appearing
on the street or in public place TO police
stations, where he will be fined. the fine
ranging from three to thirty rubles, or
from three to thirty days depending upon
the drunkard's behavior and the fire.
quency of his offenses.
NO NEW LICENSES
simultaneously with the publication of
the decree the government will cease
granting new alcohol licenses to restaur-
ants, such licenses to be confined to drink
ing places already existing. The sale of
alcohol will be strictly forbidden in all
workers clubs, cinemaS, railway stations
and village inns located not far from
manufacturing districts, as the govern
ment III formulating the decree seems to
be chiefly concerned with the evil effects
of vodka on factory workers.
BOOST SOFT DRINKS
The supreme council of public economy
has been instructed to elaborate plan
for production of non alcoholic DRINKS
such as grape juice, soda water, and cider
The commission plans to regulate the
hours of sale of alcoholic drinks. and to
prohibit the sale of black molasses, which
is the chief ingredient of moonshine. 1t
also plans widespread educational
campaign aimed at bringing home to the
most backward and unlettered masses of
Russia a vivid realization of the dangers
of alcoholism to the country generally and
to each person.
The most important points of the decree
worked out by the Anti-Alcoholic Society
have been thoroughly discussed at con-
ference representing the educational Sec
tons of all Labor Union executives. The
conference adopted a resolution to pub
lish the text of the decree and to send
copies of it to all sections in the country
so that the workers may have opportunity
to discuss the subject and voice their
opinion. The decree will become law
shortly after Moscow will have received
resolutions adopted by factory workers in
most of Soviet Russias industrial centers.
CONSUMPTION INCREASED
The reason for this awakening OF Rus
STA TO the evils OF vodka is that since the