ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- The sale of beer at Russian soccer stadiums is banned, but one of the country's top leaders says he will consider lifting the ban for the 2018 World Cup.
RIA Novosti reported Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin promised to consider lifting the ban after a meeting with football fans in St. Petersburg Thursday.
Russia will be hosting the World Cup for the first time in 2018, and Putin is trying to present the country in its best light. He's also widely expected to run for the presidency again in March elections, Novosti said.
"What do you think about bringing beer back to stadiums?" Putin was asked at the meeting with fans of soccer -- called football in Russia and most of the world outside the United States.
The questioning fan pointed out that "they sell beer at stadiums in Europe and elsewhere."
Beer brewers are major sponsors of FIFA, the World Cup governing body.
"One should know his norm: once he's drunk three liters it's time to calm down and stop," Putin told the fan.
Novosti said alcohol abuse is a major problem in Russia.
