The Saeima worked on these amendments for more than two years. During this time, there have been intense discussions in Parliament on how to limit alcohol consumption in Latvia. However, MPs have over time abandoned many of the ideas.

The changes approved on Thursday would restrict the availability, advertising, and marketing of alcoholic beverages. 69 MPs voted in favor of the law change, while 10 voted against it.

The amendments limit the time during which alcoholic beverages can be sold at retail, including on websites and mobile apps.

Alcohol will be available from 10 am to 8 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and from 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays.

These amendments will enter into force on August 1 this year. Traders who have obtained a license to retail alcohol in a place where the opening hours exceed the limit (restaurants, bars) will have until December 31 to apply to the State Revenue Service for re-registration of their licence.

Also, to limit impulse purchases of booze, alcohol purchased on the internet – on a website or a mobile app – will be delivered to the customer no sooner than 6 hours after the order was placed.

The amendments prohibit the advertising of alcohol prices and discounts as of August 1 in the press, in printed advertising and publications, in cinemas, on websites and online, via postal services (including e-mail), as well as in retail outlets and on the internet where alcoholic beverages are sold.

Retail outlets will be required to display prominent signage warning that alcoholic beverages have adverse health effects, should not be sold to minors, and should not be purchased, used, or possessed by minors.

In order to reduce impulse buying, the amendments include a ban on sales incentives that offer several units of alcoholic beverages at once at a lower price, as well as discounts on alcoholic beverages as part of a consumer loyalty program.

It also prohibits the offer of alcoholic beverages for free, as a gift, or as compensation in sales and service outlets with or without a special permit.

The draft law also stipulates that the retail sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption will be prohibited in gambling venues.

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