MOSCOW, September 3 - RAPSI. The Amur Regional Commercial Court has postponed a hearing on Baltika Breweries' complaint against the regional governor's resolution restricting alcohol sales, the court told the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI/rapsinews.com).

The postponement is the result of the absence of the plaintiff's counsel.

At the August 1 hearing the governor's representative stated that the resolution in question was amended on July 28 and filed a motion to postpone the trial to allow the plaintiff time to clarify its claims.

Baltika challenged an April 23 resolution by Governor Oleg Kozgemyako banning retail liquor sales within a 700-meter radius of military facilities as of July 1. Draft beer sales were also prohibited in outlets located in apartment buildings.

The company claims it is against the law governing the state regulation of alcoholic beverage production and trade, and also contradicts the laws on competition.

Baltika manages 11 breweries in Russia and one in Azerbaijan. It owns over 40 brands and exports products to 70 countries. The brewery accounts for about 70 percent of Russia's beer exports.