In Russia, ongoing discussions suggest a potential shift that would permit the sale of alcohol on summer verandas attached to fixed food facilities. This development has emerged from reports by a newspaper known as News, which cites the profile committee of the lower house of parliament as a source for the proposed changes.
According to the publication, a first reading of the draft law titled “Law Amending the Law on State Regulation of the Production and Turnover of Ethyl Alcohol, Alcoholic and Alcohol-Containing Products and Restriction of Their Consumption” could take place in September. The proposal is framed under the heading Drinking of Alcoholic Products, and it seeks to modify existing restrictions that currently govern where alcohol may be sold and consumed.
The document advocates allowing the retail sale of alcohol on summer patios that are physically adjacent to fixed food facilities, provided the establishment holds a license to sell alcoholic beverages. Presently, restaurant operators face a prohibition on serving alcohol at such outdoor venues, though there are instances where local authorities issue permits based on regional discretion and policy decisions.
Denis Kravchenko, identified as the executive secretary of the office of the United Russia faction, is quoted as the author of the bill. He argues that the current ban on veranda sales hurts the economic performance of catering businesses by limiting their ability to attract customers and increase sales during warm months when outdoor dining sees heightened demand.
The MP notes that while the State Duma has not yet received an official response from the government, the parliamentary body has received a largely favorable response from regions that have had early exposure to the current version of the draft law. These regional assessments suggest a broad appetite for reform, although official federal feedback remains pending.
Earlier reporting by Izvestia in August 2022 indicated that Russia’s Ministry of Finance voiced support for the bill, which had been drafted by Senator Andrey Kutepov and would allow the sale of alcohol in summer cafes and on terraces. The ministry pointed out a definitional issue within the document, noting that the term verandas and terraces is not currently defined in Russian law. The ministry emphasized that it would be ready to back the draft legislation once the definitional language is finalized and aligned with existing legal frameworks.
There has also been mention that stores could be permitted to distribute food without charge as part of the broader discussion around the feasibility of relaxing premises-based constraints on alcohol sales, though such provisions would depend on accompanying regulatory safeguards and enforcement mechanisms. The evolving debate underscores how sector stakeholders are weighing the potential benefits for tourism, hospitality, and regional economies against concerns about public health, safety, and the integrity of licensing regimes.
In the larger context, these discussions reflect a broader trend in multiple jurisdictions toward reexamining where and how alcohol can be offered in outdoor environments. While the precise legal text and timelines remain unsettled, observers note that the outcome will likely hinge on whether the state can balance economic incentives with clear standards for licensing, responsible service, and compliance across varied municipal landscapes. This is especially relevant for operators seeking to maximize outdoor dining revenue while adhering to evolving regulatory requirements.
Overall, the conversation signals potential changes that could reshape outdoor hospitality in Russia, particularly during the summer season when verandas and terraces play a pivotal role in customer experience. If enacted, the reform would represent a notable shift in the regulatory environment for alcohol distribution and consumption in public-facing dining spaces.