St Petersburg Considers Extending Alcohol Sales This Evening
A recent joint discussion by the transport and industry commissions within the City Legislative Assembly focused on extending alcohol sales hours in St Petersburg to 23:00. At present, alcohol purchases in the Northern capital are limited to 22:00. Deputy governor Kirill Polyakov voiced support for the proposed change, arguing that while access to alcohol at later hours might seem convenient for consumers, it often correlates with a rise in poor‑quality products and related health risks. The policy debate also highlighted potential impacts on local business turnover and the broader economy.
Polyakov underscored a practical concern: after 22:00, there are reports of illegal sales or informal markets filling the gap. He suggested coordinating with federal lawmakers to reduce violations and raise the standard of evening commerce. The idea is that once official sales end, unauthorized alcohol under the counter tends to proliferate. He described this as a common‑sense approach that could curb illegal activity while aligning with consumer demand for later shopping hours.
The deputy governor noted another commercial reality: many shops prefer to operate only during periods when licensed alcohol sales are allowed. As a result, some outlets close early, forcing residents to seek late‑hour options at gas stations or large 24‑hour hypermarkets for essential purchases. This shift influences consumer behavior and the availability of urgent goods after hours.
Historically, authorities in Ufa identified a large counterfeit alcohol outlet that operated from an unusual location, illustrating the broader public health and safety concerns linked to alcohol distribution. This example serves as a reminder of the challenges cities face when balancing consumer convenience with regulatory oversight and safety—issues that are also relevant to St Petersburg as it weighs changes to its own alcohol sale hours. (Parliamentary newspaper)