The Russian government plans to increase taxes on beer by 300 percent and ban sales in kiosks, the Guardian reported Oct. 1.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has called alcoholism a "national disaster," and the proposals by the Russian industry and trade ministry are part of a plan to address the problem. An estimated half-million annual deaths in Russia are attributed to alcohol use.

Vodka is Russia's national drink, accounting for up to two-thirds of all alcohol sales. Beer is increasingly popular, but many Russians also are ignorant of its alcoholic potency.

Sixty-five percent of Russians polled said they would or probably would support a government anti-alcohol campaign.