Dramatic shifts in Kamchatka's liquor landscape unfold
In Kamchatka, a new alcohol reform is being implemented to address social issues related to alcohol consumption. The reform, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, will prohibit the sale of alcohol in residential multi-apartment buildings in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and the Elizovsky district. This measure is part of a larger effort to improve the social situation in Kamchatka, where retail alcohol sales per capita is 10.5 liters, significantly higher than the Russian average of 6.6 liters.
The reform also targets catering establishments offering alcohol, with those located within 100 meters of multi-apartment buildings deemed illegal. Checks on the legality of alcohol trading in residential buildings began on March 3, involving specialists from the regional Ministry of Economic Development and law enforcement agencies. However, entrepreneurs who remove alcohol from their product range can continue trading other goods at the same locations.
In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and its nearest neighbor, the minimum distance between alcohol-selling retail outlets and residential buildings/social facilities will increase from 30 to 100 meters. The details of the alcohol reform, such as the minimum distances in other municipalities, may vary and the authorities have been granted the ability to review and adjust these minimum distances.
The new requirements will come into full force within one to two months after the completion of all stages of considering the regulations. Local official Evgeny Beliaev has expressed his readiness to work with entrepreneurs whose businesses may be affected by the new restrictions.
Meanwhile, in Saxony, Germany, the responsibility for supporting companies affected by new restrictions lies with the Saxon Ministry of Economic Affairs. The ministry has suspended the repayment of federal Corona aid and is working with the SAB development bank to examine options like altered repayment conditions and clearer rules on when funding does not need to be returned. This affects around 70,000 companies in Saxony.
The NRW government also supports small and medium-sized enterprises with funding for climate adaptation measures to help businesses become more resilient. The federal government continues to provide tax relief and investment support measures to sustain growth and employment.
In both Kamchatka and Saxony, authorities are working to support businesses affected by new restrictions, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining economic stability and improving social conditions.
