Cabinet Plans to Draft New Corrections to Alcohol Law
The Cabinet has said it will push for at least a partial reversal of the country's laws on public consumption.
At today's government press conference, four ministers who have been social affairs minister at various times said that society was not ready for the current situation, where Parliament in the winter made public consumption legal effective July unless expressly banned subject to location.
Interior Minister Hanno Pevkur said: "It is reasonable to discuss how to change the situation. We can conclude that society was not ready for the change.Parliament will have to discuss the situation with the Cabinet and find a solution."
But, he said, "I wouldn't want to completely swing to the opposite side. People who decide to have a picnic and have a little alcohol there in civilized fashion" should be allowed to do so, he said.
Social Affairs Minister Helmen Kütt said the Justice Minister would draft an amendment in October.
Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas, Kütt's predecessor, said he had never concealed his skepticism regarding public drinking. "I wouldn't rule out that the entire law has to be reviewed.
Labor Minister Urmas Kruuse said the amendment that entered force in July was not beneficial for anyone if the alcohol consumption rate stayed the same. From Tartu, Kruuse said Tartu's liberal policy toward open containers should be referred to.