St. Petersburg Prohibits Smaller-Sized Outdoor Drinking Venues Under 50 Square Meters
Saint Petersburg Lawmakers Propose Restrictions for Bars and Pubs
The Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg voted on May 28 in the second reading to amend the "pouring establishments" law. As of now, the newly proposed law stipulates that such establishments must have an area of at least 50 square meters. To remain compliant, bars will be required to fulfil additional criteria:
- Separate street entrance
- Staff and guest toilets
- Seating for patrons
- Food preparation zone
- A staff of at least five individuals
Assuming the legislation is adopted, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economic Development of Nizhny Novgorod region prepared a bill proposing stricter limitations for alcohol sales in retail stores. If passed, the following restrictions would apply:
- Prohibition of alcohol sales on Sundays
- Sales between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Saturdays
- Weekday sales until 8:00 PM
- Displaying alcoholic beverages near cash registers would be barred. However, this exemption would apply to bars and clubs.
A recent trend in Russia has been the rise in sales of moonshine stills.
While no comprehensive or recent proposals for sweeping new alcohol laws specific to these regions are prevalent in global English-language media, it is essential to acknowledge that alcohol regulation in Russia generally follows a set of guidelines. Pouring establishments and retail alcohol sales in these regions commonly adhere to federal laws and possibly local ordinances:
- License requirements for establishments selling or serving alcohol
- Prohibition of selling alcohol to individuals under 18
- Hours during which alcohol cannot be sold, usually late night or early morning
- Location restrictions regarding schools, public transport, and parks.
Regarding alcohol sales in stores, regions may enforce limitations:
- Prohibited sales at night and early morning
- Limitations on the sale of stronger alcoholic beverages
- Mandatory age checks
- Retail licensing and strict record-keeping requirements.
Saint Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod may hold further restrictions close to educational institutions or during certain holidays. The available data provides no evidence of lately proposed or passed laws that significantly deviate from the standard regulatory framework. Inquiring about local bills or drafts under deliberation in Russian State Duma or regional legislatures may require consultation with Russian-language official sources or specialized news outlets.
In the context of alcohol regulation in Russia, the proposed restrictions for pouring establishments, such as bars and pubs, include specific requirements about facility space, amenities, staffing, and operational hours. Additionally, the Ministry of Economic Development of Nizhny Novgorod region has prepared a bill that, if passed, would impose stricter limitations for alcohol sales in retail stores, affecting industries like finance and business.
