Push for Sobriety : Soviets End Detente on Drunkenness
The Soviet Union announced today that it will raise the drinking age from 18 to 21, cut back liquor production and increase penalties for public drunkenness and drunk driving in an effort to curb alcoholism.
The official news agency Tass and the state-run radio publicized the measures, which had been preceded by weeks of rumors about strict new policies to combat drunkenness.
The measures included plans to set up work camps or special enterprises for alcoholics as well as treatment services, increased education about the evils of drink and the establishment of so-called sobriety clubs nationwide.
The output of strong alcoholic drinks will be reduced starting next year and the production of soft drinks increased, Tass said.
It gave no date for the new measures taking effect but indicated many would be imposed from the date of publication, probably Friday.
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