Russia sets minimum price for vodka to curb alcohol abuse

HEADLINE: Russia hikes vodka prices to fight alcoholism --------------------------------------- CAPTION: The price of the cheapest vodka on the Russian market on Friday more than doubled as the government set a minimum price on the drink in an effort to fight rampant alcoholism. (Jan. 1) ---------------------------------------- [Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] The cost of the cheapest bottle of vodka in Russia just doubled. The measure's aimed at tackling widespread alcoholism in the country. The minimum price for a 17 ounce bottle of the cheapest vodka is now 89 roubles, the equivalent of 3 US dollars. This comes on the start of the 12-day New Year's and Orthodox Christmas holiday, when alcohol consumption is at its highest. Russia has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption in the world. The president has publicly decried Russia's drinking problem and its effect on the nation's well being, has ordered a series of measures aimed at reducing sales. While some have praised the president's efforts, many Russians are sceptical about the policy's chances of success. This woman says the measure won't help and is no more than a promotional event. Past efforts to limit vodka sales, however, have led to increased production of unregulated or homemade vodka, which even now is estimated to make up nearly half of all vodka consumed. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/ac015d81da49406c9f61db8e4869387b Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork