Regional deputies take on "nalivayki" cafes

Those who like to get drunk at night without leaving home will be banned from drinking any alcohol

In the fall, the Moscow Regional Duma is going to return to work on the bill on "nalivayki". According to the chairman of the regional parliament, Igor Bryntsalov, now the Moscow Region deputies have a legislative tool - the president signed a law on the right of regions to restrict the work of such establishments.

"Nalivaika" is the popular name for establishments that sell alcohol to go at night under the guise of cafes. These food outlets are usually located on the ground floors of apartment buildings, and for local residents this neighborhood is a pain in the neck, because liquor stores attract antisocial visitors from all over the area. As a result, noise and disorder prevent people from having a peaceful rest at night.

"We are obliged to be guided first and foremost by the protection of our residents. And citizens are very unhappy with the proximity of pseudo-cafes in multi-story buildings, which operate as regular stores during the day, and sell alcohol on tap at night, which causes constant noise, disorder, and calls to the police," says Igor Bryntsalov.

As is well known, regular stores are prohibited from selling alcohol at night, so sellers use open bottles and cheap plastic cups for pouring. The local public knows this night trick and gathers at such "food outlets".

In accordance with the adopted federal law, regions can now limit the time of sale of alcoholic beverages in public catering establishments (except restaurants) located in apartment buildings and in adjacent areas.

Regions also received the right to ban the sale of beer, cider and other low-alcohol drinks in public catering establishments. As for restricting the sale of strong alcoholic beverages, they had already received this right earlier.

"The issue of restricting the operation of "nalivaikas" has been raised many times in the Moscow region. In addition, the Moscow Regional Duma has set restrictions for catering establishments selling alcohol and located in residential buildings. Currently, the minimum area for such establishments in the region must be at least 50 square meters. This measure is aimed at preventing stores selling alcoholic beverages from disguising themselves as cafes," Bryntsalov said.

But before adopting the law, the deputies are going to discuss once again how it will be implemented in the region and what specific restrictive instruments are needed.

According to Igor Bryntsalov, in general, it is planned to introduce a restriction from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on the sale of alcohol in public catering establishments in apartment buildings, with the exception of restaurants. Such places include "nalivayki".