In the last decade, as Russians’ incomes have risen, brewers have earned remarkable profits despite the rising taxes on beer. The new law issued to restirict the sales of beer could particularly harm the their profits. The leading beer seller in Russia has about 40 percent of the beer market.
Russians still drink slightly more vodka than beer. Russian regulators say the average consumer drank about 12.5 liters of alcohol last year, with beer accounting for about four liters and vodka more than five liters, according to Bloomberg News.
The new law, which will take effect in 2013, will restrict sales from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. It comes after similar regulations for vodka. The law also prohibits beer sales from sidewalk kiosks and at train stations.
Until the new rules take effect, Russian regulation will continue to favor beer over vodka as a more healthful alternative. The laws combined with changing lifestyles in Russia have helped beer in the marketplace.
