MOSCOW, 23/01/2013. Another step in continuing debate over the allowance of wine tastings at pubic fairs was made in Moscow these days. The government Federal Antimonopoly Service confirmed once again that they might treat wine tastings at the major wine/food fair ProdExpo as alcohol advertising. The start of the fair is scheduled on the 11^th of February and some wine producers have already received the ProdExpo organizers’ proposals to move their tastings to restaurants and other facilities that possess retail or on-premise sales licenses which are required by the new federal law “On advertising” to promote wine products in any way – especially if this concerns wine tastings.

Other sources at FAS has indicated clearly that they were not planning any sanctions to the exhibition organizers in respect to the wine tastings if those were held during the event at the producers’ stands (which is always the case as we understand). This controversial information from the government sources brings even more attention to the stupidity and disrespect of the new legislation towards the legal businesses and organizations. Moreover, the FAS representative showed that this legislation can officially be interpreted by them freely and to their benefit – which, of course, includes more bribery and corruption possibilities and gives more illegal control over the exhibition businesses.

FAS representative also mentioned that no punitive actions would be taken unless there are complaints from the exhibition visitors – which is odd enough and, again, puts at random risk any producer trying to organize a tasting at his stand. Trying to avoid possible risks ProdExpo is offering wine producers to organize their tastings outside the exhibition grounds, in the Genatsvale – City restaurant, which is obviously extremely uncomfortable for any of them.