Drinking Ban in the "Vodka Kingdom"... Russia Says "Don't Even Sell Alcohol on Children's Day"

Russia's Primorsky Krai to Shorten Alcohol Sales Hours by 1 Hour
Sales Prohibited on Certain Holidays Like International Children's Day and Knowledge Day
"Measure to Reduce Regional Alcoholism and Crime Rates"

Vodka displayed in a Russian store. Photo by TASS·Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] The Legislative Assembly of Russia's Far East Primorsky Krai has adopted a bill to shorten the retail sale hours of alcoholic beverages and prohibit sales altogether on certain commemorative days to curb excessive drinking among citizens, according to Interfax and other news agencies.

According to reports, the Primorsky Krai Legislative Assembly adopted an amendment to the regional law on the sale of alcoholic beverages on the 30th of last month (local time), focusing on restrictions on alcohol sales hours.

The main point is to reduce the retail alcohol sales hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., shortening the sales period by one hour.

The amendment also includes a ban on alcohol sales in stores on certain designated commemorative days. These designated days include 'Last Call Day,' held every May for students about to graduate from high school, International Children's Day (June 1), and Knowledge Day (September 1).

The amended law is scheduled to take effect on March 1 of next year.

During the meeting prior to the adoption of the amendment, some lawmakers expressed concerns that the restrictions might affect illegal alcohol trading by retailers.

A Primorsky Krai government official explained, "The amendment was discussed with alcohol business operators and is expected to help reduce alcohol addiction and crime in the region."

He added, "Since stores sell various items besides alcohol, this restriction will not have a significant impact. Similar measures are also being implemented in other areas within the Far Eastern Federal District."

The Primorsky Krai government had been reviewing amendments to the 'Law on the Sale of Alcohol and Alcohol-Containing Products' since March but halted the push in May due to opposition from alcohol wholesalers and retailers.

The Russian government has classified excessive drinking culture as a national disaster since 2011 and has introduced strong regulations such as advertising and sales hour restrictions and increased alcohol taxes to reduce the social side effects of alcohol consumption.