The Vologda region plans to eliminate large chain liquor stores. Bristol and Krasnoe i Beloe are likely to leave the region.
Next March, the regions plan to introduce new bans and restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages. The government is already preparing a bill to this effect.
"This will be regulated wisely and flexibly. But we are forced to take this step. We will announce it a little later. The text of the bill itself will be published soon," сказал Governor Georgy Filimonov during broadcast operational meeting of the Vologda Oblast government.
In addition, the new regional law should prohibit the sale of alcohol near cultural, sports, healthcare, and educational institutions.
There is a heated discussion of the governor's initiatives on Vologda social media.
«We need to start a petition to stop these stores from closing in Cherepovets and the surrounding region!!! How many people will be thrown out and left without a job! This is no longer being done for the people, but against them.", who are "An anti-people initiative. Tsars are used to feeling like kings, and don't care about the people.","They have great New Year's gifts for children, for kindergarten, for example, so many interesting things to go with tea, pistachios are some of the most delicious... We also go there for anything, not for alcohol.","I believe we need to use every possible means to combat alcoholism. Look at what's happening to children... They're being sold or bought all this crap.»
Last year, the Vologda region was among the top ten regions with the highest alcohol consumption. According to According to the analytical service of the audit and consulting network FinExpertiza, sales of strong alcohol in the region in 2023 increased by 3,3% compared to 2022.
In 2022, retail sales of alcohol in the Russian Federation, excluding beer and low-alcohol beverages, grew by 3,6%, and in 2023, growth continued and was 4,1% higher than the previous year.
On April 1, 2024, a federal law came into force allowing regional authorities to independently introduce additional restrictions on alcohol sales.
Many entities have taken advantage of the new legislative opportunities. For example, increased the time period when it is prohibited to sell alcohol is in Chechnya wine and spirits are sold only from 8:00 to 10:00 hours - or plan additional restrictive measures. For example, in the Sverdlovsk region in the spring of next year will ban sale of alcohol in establishments located in apartment buildings and adjacent areas.
