Government eases prohibition on alcohol produced before January 2012

The government opted on late Wednesday to partially lift a ban on spirits in the Czech Republic following a breakout of methanol poisoning this month that killed 26 people. Under the decision, effective Thursday following a statement by the health minister, hard liquor produced in the country before January 1, 2012 will be allowed back on the shelves. Any newly-produced hard alcohol will need new tax stamps; alcohol put into storage following the breakout of poisonings earlier this month will by contrast need certification or have to be destroyed. Proprietors have up to 60 days to provide the necessary documentation. The mass poisoning which broke out in mid-September is the worst such case in the Czech Republic in recent memory; around 30 people remain in hospital after having consumed tainted alcohol.