St. Petersburg tightens alcohol restrictions, fostering a mournful atmosphere

Straight-Up Updates on St. Petersburg's Bar Scene

Here's the lowdown on the latest changes coming to the nightlife scene in St. Petersburg. Check it out!

On May 30, amendments to the city law "On the turnover of alcoholic and alcohol-containing products" were unanimously passed by the Legislative Assembly in the first reading.

But what do these changes mean for you and your favorite watering hole?

Starting in September (for residential and suburban districts) and December (for Admiralteisky, Vasileostrovsky, Petrogradsky, and Central districts), only restaurants with kitchens, on-site chefs, and a minimum service area of 50 sq. m. will be able to sell strong alcohol and low-alcohol beverages after 10 p.m. These establishments will also need to adhere to certain security measures.

This crackdown on small bars and clubs aims to eliminate "pouring places" and "half-bars-flip-flops," leaving only legitimate hangouts for folks to enjoy.

Denis Chertkov, chairman of the Budget-Financial Committee of the ZAKS, highlighted that over the past year, there have been tens of thousands of alcohol-related violations recorded in St. Petersburg, with the majority of offenses occurring near catering establishments in residential buildings.

So, what can we expect after the bill is implemented?

Sales of strong alcohol and low-alcohol beverages will be prohibited in catering facilities located in multi-apartment residential buildings, except for restaurants, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
To qualify as a restaurant and avoid restrictions, businesses must meet the following requirements:
A separate entrance from the street
A service area with seating for visitors of at least 50 sq. m.
Separate toilets for staff and visitors
A specially equipped place for preparing dishes, including storage areas, sinks, cutting tables, and heating equipment
At least five full-time positions for service staff, including two full-time chefs
A security contract and an "alarm button"

Many experts predict that around 1,700 establishments may be forced to close as a result of these stricter regulations.

Central District deputy Alexander Rzhanenkov acknowledges the concerns of residents who have to deal with rowdy bars and clubs in their neighborhoods, especially those located on Rubinstein Street.

Andrey Aleskerov, another city official, emphasized that these regulations are not aimed at legitimate businesses but rather at those that operate as "daytime stores, nighttime cafes." These establishments often lack proper seating and sanitation facilities, creating a health hazard for the surrounding area.

Denis Panov suggested that the new rules could lead to the creation of a separate bar cluster in St. Petersburg to accommodate patrons and business owners alike. However, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of relocating established bars and the financial strain that new requirements may impose on owners.

Critics argue that the strict deadlines for implementation are unrealistic, and many bars may struggle to come into compliance with the new requirements in the allotted time.

In an effort to maintain the city's youth culture, some deputies have proposed softening the regulations, such as reducing the minimum area requirement for bars and allowing for exceptions during holidays like New Year's Eve.

Stay tuned for more updates on the situation as the debate continues! For more news, follow the RBC St. Petersburg channel on Telegram.

Following the passing of the amendments to the city law "On the turnover of alcoholic and alcohol-containing products," only certain restaurants in Petrogradsky, Admiralteisky, Vasileostrovsky, and Central districts will be allowed to sell strong alcohol and low-alcohol beverages after 10 p.m., starting in December.
As a result of these stricter regulations, many experts anticipate that around 1,700 establishments may be forced to close due to the stringent requirements, such as having a separate entrance, minimum service area, and full-time service staff.
The legislation aims to eliminate "pouring places" and "half-bars-flip-flops," leaving only legitimate hangouts, and addresses issues of alcohol-related offenses that have increased in residential areas.
Denis Panov has suggested the creation of a separate bar cluster in St. Petersburg to accommodate patrons and business owners who are affected by these new regulations, but concerns have been raised about the feasibility of relocating established bars and the financial strain these new requirements may impose on owners.