Russians' love of vodka has caused a serious alcohol problem

But that claim has got the beer producers up in arms, and calling for the dismissal of the minister who made the accusations.

Beer production is a vivid example of the way in which the shackles of the Soviet era were shaken off in the 1990s.

Freed from state control, local breweries multiplied, producing far more palatable brews than the dull, mass-produced Zhigulyovskoye.

TV ban

Before the economic crash of August 1998, Russian beers were competing for customers with imported beers.

But after the crash, when Western goods suddenly became too expensive for many Russians, much industry - including brewing - was given a boost.

But whilst the finance ministry may welcome that, the health ministry is less pleased.

Deputy Health Minister Gennady Onishchenko wants television commercials for beer banned.

Alcohol poisoning

He claims that the rise in deaths due to alcohol poisoning last year - up to 28,000 from 21,000 in 1999 - was linked to beer consumption.

This has angered the brewers, who deny that beer has caused alcohol poisoning.

Four brewers in St Petersburg have written a joint letter to Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, asking him to sack Mr Onishchenko.

They point to the financial success of the industry. Production increased by 27% in 1999, and a further 20% last year.

The brewers also say that annual beer consumption in Russia is still less than 40 litres per person, whereas Germans on average get through 170 litres each.