PRAGUE (AP) — The Czech prime minister says his government will ease a ban on the sales of spirits that was adopted because of methanol poisoning that has killed 26 people.
Petr Necas says hard liquor that was produced before Jan. 1 is considered safe and can be sold again starting Thursday.
Necas said any other alcohol needs to have a certificate of origin, and newly made spirits need new government stamps.
The government banned the sale of spirits with more than 20 percent alcohol content Sept. 14.
Those spirits that had to be removed from shelves after the ban will have to have a new safety certificate. The announcement came after police discovered the source of the poisoning.
Necas said Wednesday a ban on exports to the EU should be lifted soon.
