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Russia considers banning Czech beer
Travelers in Russia have always had a lot to thank Czech beer companies for, since the makers of some of the world's best beers have long been able to send their foamy wares to the Russian market, giving beer lovers a better alternative to the country's less-than-stellar national brews. Exports to Russia have always been a large revenue source for the companies that brew the likes of Staropramen and Pilsner Urquell.
But the Russian market could soon dry up for Czech beers.
Russia political analysts say the country should consider banning all Czech beers. The reason? Objections over Czech plans to host a United States radar station, which would be part of a missile defense shield in eastern Europe that Russia thinks is aimed at it, despite U.S. assurances to the contrary.
Russia is considering other, seemingly stronger moves. Days after U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was in Prague to ink the radar deal a few weeks ago, the Czech Republic experienced a mysterious decrease in natural gas supplies from Russian pipelines. Analysts say Russia should also consider re-opening a radar station in Cuba.
But don't underestimate what effect a Czech beer ban could have. It would be a "serious response" to the U.S./Czech radar base, an analyst tells the Russian newspaper Ria Novosti.
No word yet on whether Czechs would consider responding with a ban on Russian vodka.
Which countries *cough* smoke the most?
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Elijah Jul 25th 2008 6:28PM
If they do that it'll be like the Prohibition-everyone will start smuggling it and it'll cause more trouble than it's worth.
Joe Blow Jul 25th 2008 6:27PM
You really can't blame the Russians for being pissed off. President Gorbachev and President Reagan made an agreement years ago, and the russians have decreased their nuclear arsenal to almost nothing compared to what it was. Now our government is "occupying" Eastern European countries and doing the same damn thing that Russia did...and why? Because those wealthy corrupt b*stards in Washington want the whole world under one big capitalist umbrella so they can control and cash in.
J.T. Jul 25th 2008 6:55PM
The Russians are desperately trying to turn back time to when all of Europe feared them because they were a Super Power. A defensive radar system that keeps an eye on them would derail that from happening and they're pissed about it. Anyway, banning beer that Russian people love is only going to piss off the citizens and open the door for the "Red Mafia" to smuggle it in and make loads of cash.
Joric Jul 29th 2008 8:29AM
Where did you have this information? I live in Moscow and in every shop full of Czech beer. We have not possible to ban Czech beer - many varieties of Czech beer produced under licence at the Russian factories.