Czech Rep bans export of spirits to the EU

Friday, September 21, 2012

PRAGUE, The Czech Republic (AP) — The Czech Republic has banned the export to EU countries of spirits with more than 20 per cent alcohol content after 23 people who drank bootleg booze tainted with methanol have died in the country.

Health Minister Leos Heger issued the ban yesterday at the request of the European Union.

For the first time ever, the government banned the sale of spirits at home last week to fight the methanol poisoning. Liquor stores removed all spirits from their shelves.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Petr Necas said his government hopes to lift the ban soon when new regulations go into effect requiring all spirits to be sold in the republic with stamps showing their origin, contents and distribution.

Poland and Slovakia had already banned the sale of Czech liquor.

Other Stories

Morris vows to preserve dignity of Senate

Appointment of blind Senate president raises optimism

Clarke offered nothing new in sectoral debate — Hutchinson

Happy days at Bannister Basic

This Day in History - May 18

Ananda Alert: 15-y-o Danieke Williamson of Kingston 19 missing

Police seize two firearms in Kingston 11

Met Service fully prepared for 2013 Hurricane season

US warns nationals about Bahamas crime situation

Police fatally shoot man in Santa Cruz