Over the past few decades, the Republic of Belarus has seen an increase in drunkenness among the population, particularly among young people, as well as a rise in the number of individuals registered with narcological services, suffering from chronic alcoholism, and consuming alcohol, leading to detrimental health consequences, including for minors. Often, ordinary citizens – workers, rural labourers, pensioners, and even young people – fall victim to alcohol.
Over the past few decades, the Republic of Belarus has seen an increase in drunkenness among the population, particularly among young people, as well as a rise in the number of individuals registered with narcological services, suffering from chronic alcoholism, and consuming alcohol, leading to detrimental health consequences, including for minors.
Often, ordinary citizens – workers, rural labourers, pensioners, and even young people – fall victim to alcohol. The reason for this is the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages. People who profit from others' health are indifferent to the fate of others. For instance, in the current year, six people died from alcohol poisoning in the city of Lepel and the Lepel district.
Alcohol consumption and alcoholism are serious social and medical problems that require decisive action. Therefore, the priority direction of activity for the employees of the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs has been and remains preventive work to combat drunkenness.
Last year, one thousand and forty-one citizens were brought to administrative responsibility for appearing in a state of intoxication and consuming alcoholic beverages in public places, and 87 citizens were punished for being intoxicated at their workplaces.
In addition, 55 cases of illegal production and storage of moonshine and mash were detected, 5,415.7 litres of it were confiscated, and seven moonshine stills were seized.
In the current year, 56 individuals have been convicted and sent to a therapeutic and labour prophylaxis dispensary, but six citizens were not sent due to a lack of available places.
Only a systematic approach, which includes preventive measures, as well as measures to restrict access for minors and young people to the purchase of alcoholic, low-alcohol beverages and beer, and administrative and price regulation, can effectively counteract the alcoholisation of the population.