Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on applying amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offences, which stipulate a ban on the sale for cash of alcoholic drinks, as well as the wholesale of tobacco products.
Under the amendments, the sale of excise goods for cash (except for retail sale of tobacco products) in small quantities (up to 50 manats), and the purchase of such goods in small quantities with an aim to subsequently sell them will be fined for 100 manats.
In cases when the purchase price ranges from 50 manats up to 1,000 manats, a fine at an amount from 1,000 manats to 2,000 manats, or a punishment in the form of correctional labor for up to one year, or imprisonment for one year will be applied.
In cases when the sum exceeds 1,000 manats a punishment in the form of correctional labor up to two years, or imprisonment for up to two years will be applied.
At the same time, the amendments allow the retail sale of cigarettes for cash in small quantities, that is, for personal use only.
If cigarettes are purchased for their subsequent sale, their cost should be paid only through bank or through payment cards.
Otherwise, a penalty in the amount of 100 manats will be applied.
The changes will come into effect on January 1, 2016.
(Trend)
