OREANDA-NEWS. January 25, 2011. The companies authorized to import alcoholic beverages in Belarus in 2010 will have this right extended over the first quarter of 2011, an official in the administration of the country stated.

“The head of state agreed to extend the authorization over the first three months of 2011 for the companies that won the tender for the year 2010. The decision has been made until the adjustment of the framework regulating supplies of alcohol to Belarus,” he said.

As was previously reported, the interdepartmental commission that arranges tenders to identify importers of alcohol suggested lifting restrictions from expensive alcohol imports (vintage wines, XO French cognacs, rum, whiskey, gin), which do not compete with Belarusian products on the domestic market.

Also, there are plans to allow free import of Armenian cognac made by Ararat Winery, French cognac V.S.O.P., V.V.S.O.P., whiskey in containers of more than two liters starting 2011.

The president approved the proposals, but questioned the relevance of commissions that identify importers.