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?. He says the move would help to establish whether the death toll ? now running into thousands of people a month ? could be reduced.

Mr Paragulgov is an influential figure in one of the world?s hardest-drinking nations. He says his organisation is acting out of concerns for the health of Russians.