I read a book about Russian history. As a demonstration of the crazy political situation that unfolded in Russia in the 90’s, it mentioned the fact that in 1996 Russian voters were asked to choose from over 40 different parties. One of these was called The Beer Drinkers’ Party.
Did such a party actually exist? If so, what was its platform and how many votes did it get?
I was not aware that Russia such a party. It doesn’t surprise me, because I know Poland had a Beer Drinkers’ Party at one time. Don’t know if it still exists, though. The founders probably have graduated by now. 
I remember the party. They even had semi-political semi-humorous ad-type-things on variety-type-shows on TV if I remember correctly. Yes, some people even voted for them, but I do not think it crossed the minimum threshold for a Duma seat, so the party folded.
Here’s some information on the party (in Russian)
It seems to be some sort of an individualist classical liberal party, almost libertarian, but with an environmentalist and labor lean.
From the link, roughly translated
At least they have their priorities in order.
In Russia, beer is considered a breakfast drink and most of it is consumed before 10AM- after which most people switch to vodka. So the idea of a “beer drinker” might be a bit different than the one we have.
Not surprising. A lot of countries have parties dedicated to odd things.
For example: The Marijuana Party Of Canada
In the 1999 election for the New South Wales Legislative Council, the following parties stood candidates (in decreasing numbers of votes cast for each):
Australian Labor Party
Liberal/National Party
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
Australian Democrats
Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group)
The Greens
John Tingle - The Shooters Party
Progressive Labour Party
Marijuana Smokers Rights Party
Reform the Legal System
Unity
Country Summit Alliance
Registered Clubs Party
Gun Owners and Sporting Hunters Rights
Country Party
What’s Doing? Party
A Better Future for Our Children
Franca Arena Child Safety Alliance
Three Day Weekend Party
Australian Family Alliance
Young Australians Caring for Our Future
Australians Against Further Immigration
Gay and Lesbian Party
Australians Against the Promotion of Homosexuality
The Australian Small Business Party
The Animal Liberation Party
Democratic Socialists
Speranza: Hope for Better Health NSW
The Four Wheel Drive Party
Outdoor Recreation Party
Riders’ and Motorists Party Inc.
Kevin Ryan - Drug Reform
The Seniors Party
Jobs for Everyone - Futures For All
Marine Environment Conservation Party
The Wilderness Party
Stop Banks from Exploiting Australians Group
Australian Independent Coalition for Political Integrity
Fair Tax Party
Help Disabled People
No GST/Mick Gallagher for Australia
NSW Ratepayers Party
Womens Party/Save the Forests
Australia First
Make Billionaires Pay More Tax!
Euthanasia Referendum Party
Care For Us Party
Hospitals, Education, Law, Privacy
Earthsave
People Against Paedophiles
Independent Community Network
Abolish State Governments!
A Fair Go for Families
Communist Party of Australia
Voice of the People Party
Citizens Electoral Councils of Australia
Natural Law Party
Give Criminals Longer Sentences
Responsible Drug Reform for Australia
Republic 2001/People First
Outside Newcastle Sydney Wollongong Party
Responsible Gamblers Party
No Nuclear Waste Dumps Party
Motor Vehicle Consumer Protection Party
No Privatisation People’s Party
No Badgerys Creek Airport Party
Esposito Group
Anti-Corruption Party (Insurers, Lawyers, Politicians)
Non-Custodial Parents Party
Elect the President
Australians for a Better Community
Reclaim Australia
Our Common Future Party
Kanan Group
Hotel Patrons Party
Reform Parliamentary Superannuation Party
Community First Party
The Timbarra Clean Water Party
Tenants Have Rights
(Source: Table 6 in http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rp/1998-99/99rp22.htm )
Yes – I remember voting in that election, with 231 candidates for 21 seats (the whole state voting as one electorate). I even have a souvenir from it: the poster listing all the preference orders of all the parties, which is a poster in about 20 large sheets, that was exhibited in each polling booth in the state.
Seeing that list is very reassuring to me, for Australia. Around these parts, the Natural Law party (they’re the folks who want to achieve nuclear disarmament through trancendental meditation) cracked the top 5 (the others being the obvious Republicans and Democrats, plus Libertarians and Greens). Must be nice to live in a place where they’re burried under so many other crackpots.
In Soviet Russia, Beer Drinker Party choose YOU!
I think this party is opposed to this sort of legislation:
“Russia’s upper house voted Wednesday to increase the fine for public consumption of beer…”