Russian Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Expand Regional Curbs on Alcohol Sales in Restaurants

Russian lawmakers have introduced a bill that would let regional authorities impose stricter rules on alcohol sales in restaurants and cafes, widening local control beyond the limits now set in federal law.

The proposal was submitted to the State Duma as amendments to Article 16 of Law No. 171-FZ, the 1995 law that governs state regulation of alcohol production and turnover. According to the text described by the parliamentary sponsors, Russian regions currently can set time limits on retail alcohol sales tied to food service only in narrower cases, mainly for catering establishments other than restaurants when they operate in apartment buildings or nearby areas.

The new bill, registered as No. 1106401-8, would remove that territorial restriction and allow regions to tighten alcohol sales rules for food service venues in other locations as well. In practice, that could give local governments broader authority to limit when alcoholic drinks may be sold in restaurants, cafes and similar establishments, including sites in detached buildings.

The lawmakers behind the measure said the change responds to repeated complaints from residents about noise, public order violations and disturbances at night linked to food service businesses that sell alcohol. They argued that the problem is not limited to venues inside residential buildings or on adjoining land. In their view, establishments operating elsewhere can also contribute to late-night disorder, especially when alcohol is sold around the clock or offered for takeaway.

The sponsors said the amendments are intended to address issues tied to catering outlets that continue selling alcoholic beverages overnight. Their stated aim is to give regions more flexibility to respond to local conditions and complaints by setting tighter retail sale restrictions where authorities consider them necessary.

If approved, the measure could have direct consequences for Russia’s on-trade beverage market, including wine, beer and spirits sold through licensed hospitality venues. Regional differences in permitted sales hours or service conditions could make compliance more complex for restaurant and cafe operators working across multiple jurisdictions. It could also affect evening trade patterns and alcohol service models in areas where local governments choose to adopt tougher rules.

The proposal does not itself impose a nationwide ban or a single federal closing hour for alcohol sales in hospitality venues. Instead, it would expand the legal powers of Russia’s regions, allowing them to decide whether and how far to go in restricting sales in their own territories.

The bill arrives as Russian authorities continue to use regional regulation as a tool for managing alcohol availability and public order concerns. For restaurant and cafe businesses, the debate is likely to be watched closely because any expansion of local powers could reshape operating hours, beverage revenue and licensing compliance depending on where a venue is located.

AK&M reported on the filing of the amendments, citing materials provided by the source of the press release. The legislative initiative now enters the parliamentary process, where deputies will decide whether to advance the proposed changes.