Impact of the war in Ukraine and economic stagnation on Russian society: Increasing alcohol consumption
Police in Russia and media studies point to a rise in workplace stress, increased to 35% despite the demand for labor, but no accurate research is available on the impact of the military situation on Russian society and folk psychology. However, indirect data such as the growing consumption of alcohol in Russia give a clear picture of the psycho-social state of the population.
Alcohol as an indicator of the social situation in Russia
Russia has traditionally topped the European rankings for alcohol consumption and has one of the highest death rates related to its use. Alcohol sales have been growing steadily in recent years. According to data from Rosalkoholtabakkontrol, in 2022 sales increased by 7.5%, and in the first half of 2023 the growth is another 4%. The biggest increase is in sparkling and liqueur wines, with the least, but still significant, increase in the sale of vodka.
The role of the Russian Orthodox Church and the new bills
The problem of alcoholism is in the center of public attention, and Moscow Patriarch Kirill emphasized that the fight against alcohol is a matter of national importance. According to him, the increased consumption of alcohol is a major obstacle to improving the demographic situation in the country and the future of the Russian world.
In this context, Russian MPs are introducing new bills to regulate alcohol sales. One of the proposed bills includes a ban on the sale of alcohol in common areas of commercial establishments and stricter measures against the sale of alcoholic beverages in vehicles. Another bill proposes a ban on the sale of alcohol at specific times and in specific places.
Regional initiatives and local bans
In recent months, various Russian regions have introduced new restrictions on the sale of alcohol. In the Orenburg region, the sale of alcohol at night in public catering establishments located in residential areas was prohibited. In Stavropol, control over "pouring" was tightened. - small bars that offer draft alcoholic beverages located in residential buildings.
Ministry of Finance and Alcohol Legalization
The Russian Ministry of Finance maintains a position that simply restricting the sale of alcohol does not lead to a reduction in consumption, but on the contrary - creates conditions for illegal trade. Therefore, draft laws are being considered to optimize retail licensing and reduce the documentary burden for alcohol retailers.