June 26, 2002 - 19:10 AMT
ADVERTISING CIGARETTES AND STRONG DRINKS BANNED IN ARMENIA BEGINNING WITH 2003
Cigarette and strong drink advertisements via electronic mass media is banned in Armenia beginning with 2003. According to the law passed by the country parliament at last, advertising all alcohol drinks whose strength is over 20 degree, except Armenian brandy, is prohibited. Such exception is conditioned by the fact that brandy is object of national pride and is traditional Armenian beverage. The law also bans placing cigarette and strong alcohol drink advertisements on magazine covers, as well as on the first and last pages of newspapers.