The Republic of Altai is preparing a sweeping set of new rules aimed at curbing alcohol consumption and limiting e-cigarette sales.
Regional head Andrey Turchak announced that the sale of alcoholic beverages could soon be completely banned on weekends and public holidays, while vaping products and smoking mixtures will also face strict restrictions.
Public Health Concerns Drive the Measures
The proposed changes come in response to alarming health statistics.
Since 2024, Altai has seen more deaths than births, with alcohol-related incidents—including traffic accidents and poisoning—identified as key contributors.
Turchak highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues during a recent interagency council on public health, noting that detailed proposals will be submitted at the upcoming government session.
Key Points of the Proposed Alcohol Regulations
Under the new rules, alcohol sales in apartment buildings and near schools or kindergartens will be prohibited.
Sores in these areas may be encouraged to pivot to grocery sales instead.
Weekday alcohol sales will be limited to 11:00–19:00, with Fridays cut short at 16:00, and a full ban will apply on weekends and public holidays.
Additionally, open displays of alcohol and tobacco at checkout counters will be banned to avoid placing these adult products alongside sweets.
Bars in residential neighborhoods will be closed due to frequent incidents, and sales of smoking mixtures, vapes, and related accessories will also be prohibited.
Regional Differences and Business Adaptations
Other Russian regions will have some leeway to set their own rules.
For example, the Volgograd region plans to ban alcohol sales in premises smaller than 200 m² and prohibit placement at checkout counters starting March 1, 2026.
Similar restrictions were introduced in Spring 2025, limiting weekday alcohol sales to 12:00–14:00.
Entrepreneurs facing lost revenue are being encouraged to open convenience grocery stores, with regional authorities offering preferential loans to support the transition.
In Moscow region, restrictions that began on September 1 ban alcohol sales in apartment courtyards and limit licenses to shops facing the street within 30 meters of the road.
Restaurants and cafes in multi-story buildings are prohibited from selling alcohol between 23:00 and 08:00.
Public Health and Community Impact
The new measures are designed not only to reduce alcohol- and vape-related incidents but also to protect families and children by limiting access in sensitive areas.
While businesses will need to adjust, authorities argue that these regulations are necessary to address a serious public health crisis in Altai and other regions.