On the National Legal Internet Portal of the Republic of Belarus has been published the bill “On Amending Laws on Advertising”.

Let us review the main amendments to the legislation that are possible as a result of the adoption of the bill.

The option of advertising alcoholic beverages on radio and television

Current requirements	Proposed changes
It is forbidden to advertise alcoholic beverages on radio and television	Advertising of alcoholic beverages on radio and television is allowed, but from 22:00 to 07:00

Expanded time for broadcasting advertisements for beer and low-alcohol beverages, as well as gambling establishments and gambling on both radio and television.

Current requirements	Proposed changes
Advertising of beer and low-alcohol beverages on radio and television is allowed from 22:00 to 07:00	The time of broadcasting of beer and low-alcohol beverage advertisements on radio and television is increased by 1 hour. Such adverts may be broadcast from 21:00 to 07:00

The same change is planned for radio and television advertising of gambling establishments and gambling.

The advertising of non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic beer beverages is subject to restrictions

Current requirements

Proposed changes

No restrictions on advertising of non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic beer beverages

Prohibited:

images of people or animals, including drawn, cartoon (animation) images. Exception – use of such images in registered trade marks;
images, statements suggesting that consumption of non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic beer beverages contributes to success or improves a person’s physical or mental well-being;
images, statements creating the impression that non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic beer beverages are harmless or healthy or are one of the ways to quench thirst.
advertisements calling for the consumption of non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic beer beverages or discrediting abstinence from their consumption.

Also, adverts for non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic beer beverages will have to contain an indication of the non-alcoholic nature of the drinks.

In connection with the introduction of restrictions, definitions of the terms “non-alcoholic beer” and ” non-alcoholic beer beverages ” have been established.

Limiting the advertising services offered by advertisers who are not part of the special register.

Current requirements

Proposed changes

To provide services on advertising can only advertisers included in the register of advertising distributors.

Exceptions, in which the advertiser has the right to provide such services without inclusion in the register, are services on placement:

outdoor advertising;
advertising on and inside vehicles;
advertising through telephone, telex, facsimile, mobile cellular telecommunications, e-mail;
advertising in buildings (premises, facilities), as well as in places of cultural, educational, sports, mass sports, tourist events, competitions, competitions, exhibitions, seminars, conferences and other similar events;
advertisements on paper not related to the print media;
advertising on the Internet (including using advertising services) unrelated to placement in the online publication;
other advertisements defined by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus.

The number of exceptions in which advertisers have the right to provide advertising services without inclusion in the register is reduced.

Thus, advertising services on the Internet (including using advertising services) will require the inclusion of advertisers in the relevant registry.

The need for approval by the Ministry of Health of the placement of advertisements on vehicles and outdoor advertising of dietary supplements, medicines, medical services, special equipment, etc.

Current requirements	Proposed changes
There is no need for the approval of the Ministry of Health to place outdoor advertisements for dietary supplements, medicines, medical services, special equipment, etc., or to place such advertisements on a vehicle.	Outdoor advertising and advertising on a vehicle of dietary supplements, medicines, medical services, special equipment, etc. will only be permitted with the approval of the Ministry of Health.

The total permitted duration of advertising on radio and television from 18:00 to 22:00 will increase from 16 to 18 minutes per hour.

There are other innovations in the bill. At the moment, the House of Representatives of the National Assembly is to consider the bill in two readings. If the deputies approve the bill, it will be submitted to the Council of the Republic for consideration. If the document is approved, it will be sent for consideration and signing by the President.

If passed, the main provisions of the bill would have to enter into force six months after its official publication.

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The bill “On Amendment of Laws on Advertising” has been published