Putin wants beer ban watered down

The move was welcomed by the brewing industry, one of the country's fastest growing markets.

Mr Putin wants the legislation to make clear where beer-drinking will be banned, and to allow non-alcoholic or low-alcohol types to be drunk outside.

Beer consumption in Russia has doubled in the past five years, and is blamed in part for high rates of alcoholism.

The surge in beer sales follows a ban on drinking vodka and other strong liquor in public, as Moscow tackles Russia's hard-drinking culture.

Around 30% of the beer bought in Russia is consumed immediately, as many people find it too expensive to buy alcohol in restaurants and bars.

A senior member of the State Duma lower house of parliament, Valery Draganov, said he believed Mr Putin was still committed to the spirit of the law and understood "its social importance".

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