The practice of holding Sobriety Days will become widespread in the Vitebsk region

February 2, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. The practice of holding Days of Sobriety in the Vitebsk region will become widespread, the head of the prevention department of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Richard Malets, told a BELTA correspondent. According to him, they will be held several times in the second month of each quarter, as well as at other times by decision of local authorities. As a rule, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited or restricted in city and rural stores on such days. Thematic meetings with the participation of medical workers, representatives of law enforcement agencies and other services are planned to be held in work collectives and educational institutions. Richard Malets noted that Days of Sobriety are also part of numerous measures aimed at preventing crimes in the sphere of family and domestic relations. They will be held in Belarus until February 25. During this time, monitoring will be carried out, and meetings with family troublemakers, persons suffering from alcohol dependence, and previously convicted individuals will be organized for preventive purposes. At the same time, each specific case will be considered individually to take response measures. "If necessary, these individuals will be provided with assistance in employment, a decision will be made to send them to therapeutic and labor prophylactic institutions, bring them to criminal responsibility, or establish additional control over them," the interlocutor explained. Separate measures are aimed at identifying dysfunctional families in order to protect children's rights. For this purpose, monitoring will be carried out among teachers and students of schools. To prevent offenses in the domestic sphere, extensive informational work is planned among the adult population and youth, and cultural and sports events will be organized. Among them is a performance by the vocal and instrumental ensemble of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, whose tour schedule for the region's cities and districts has already been drawn up. During the events, special attention will be paid to the rural population. This is due to the fact that in 2008, 67% of domestic crimes in the Vitebsk region were committed in rural areas, Richard Malets added. -0-