'People's vodka' urged for Russia

The head of Russia's union of wine and spirits producers has called on the country's lawmakers to legislate for the introduction of "people's vodka".

Osman Paragulgov says the introduction of a cheap, but safe and regulated drink, would help poorer Russians currently unable to buy genuine vodka.

Russians often turn to substitutes - often with fatal results.

Several Russian regions have declared states of emergency recently after a spate of fake vodka poisonings.

Mr Paragulgov says the worst-hit areas should be used as a testing ground for "people's vodka", or, as he says it would be better named, "social vodka".