Govt looking into extending EGAIS to production of industrial alcohol - Medvedev
MOSCOW. April 19 (Interfax) - The government is considering the possibility of extending the Integrated Automated State Information System for tracking alcohol (EGAIS) to industrial alcohol, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said, answering questions in the State Duma.
He also spoke of a willingness to discuss the issue of state monopolies in the production of alcohol, but doubts the effectiveness of this solution.
"We are currently considering extending EGAIS to the production of alcohol, including the production of industrial alcohol so that we understand what is going on with them," Medvedev said.
Responding to a proposal from a deputy of A Just Russia party on the introduction of a state monopoly on alcohol, the prime minster said: "Introducing a state monopoly at this time does not seem realistic to us. The main thing is that it, the monopoly, most likely, would not have the desired effect."
"However, if compelling arguments are presented explaining what exactly this will create on a nationwide scale and how this difficult task can be resolved, then of course, the government is ready to consider A Just Russia's initiative, he said.
