Anybody who has ever encountered garlic breath can attest to the dangers of overconsuming the distinctly pungent vegetable, long a staple of Russian cuisine.
But garlic has negative "medical, demographic and socio-economic consequences" too, according to State Duma Deputy Sergei Ivanov, who on Monday introduced a bill aimed at cutting Russians' garlic use, RIA-Novosti .
Ivanov's bill would ban garlic from most private and public buildings, including workplaces, apartment buildings, sporting and cultural facilities, and schools and universities.
It would also restrict garlic selling to designated, well-ventilated areas between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m., and bar sales to pregnant women, minors, artists and childcare professionals.
Garlic-lovers would still be able to indulge their malodorous habit outdoors and inside special rooms in residential buildings, according to the text of the bill.
An estimated 40 percent of Russia's adult population, or 44 million people, use garlic, and consumption of the onion cousin affects about 60 percent of Russians, according to explanatory note for the bill.
"[This bill] is an attempt to poke fun at ourselves," Ivanov said. "I simply wanted to show that the Duma has been too preoccupied with passing 'draconian' bills."
The "draconian bills" introduced strict restrictions on tobacco use, dramatically raised fines for illegal demonstrations, and attacked foul language in the media, he .
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
