The Lithuanian parliament thus decided it will allow the sale of low-alcohol beverages in its canteens as of June 1.
On Wednesday, the Seimas board approved a resolution, allowing sale of alcoholic beverages containing up to 18 percent of alcohol in the parliament's cafés. The decision is linked to Lithuania's presidency over the European Union (EU) Council in the second half of this year.
"The board decision is to allow selling alcohol with under 18 percent alcohol content in the Seimas cafés after June 1. The reasons include EU Council presidency and visits of many guests, we may have to serve wine after meetings. We are the only parliament that does not have the opportunity," Parliamentary Speaker Vydas Gedvilas told reporters on Wednesday.
The decision to sanction alcohol sale does not have a deadline. Gedvilas refused to say whether the parliament would go back to the ban after the six-month presidency.
No alcohol has been sold in Seimas cafés and restaurants since January 2009. The ban was imposed by the Seimas board in response to an initiative from then parliamentary speaker Arūnas Valinskas.
Under the 2009 rules, alcohol could still be served during receptions after working hours.
