Beer-Ad Ban Hits Russia as Nation Boosts Sobriety | News – Advertising Age

Although Russia’s identity will always be linked to vodka, it is also the world’s fourth-largest beer market, thanks to an influx of global brewers and a culture in which beer is often drunk on the street like soda.

But marketers must now deal with hurdles resulting from a tough new law aimed at curtailing alcohol abuse. Starting in July, beer ads will be prohibited on television. And as of 2013, beer cannot be sold in Russian airports, bus stops, railway stations and certain other public places.