Police propose ban on nighttime alcohol sales in Voronezh establishments
Police in Voronezh have proposed banning nighttime alcohol sales in bars and restaurants.
Jan 21, 2026 0
City authorities are taking a cautious approach to the proposed nighttime alcohol sales ban.
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Police in Voronezh are proposing to restrict alcohol sales in bars and food service establishments at night. Law enforcement agencies submitted this initiative to the city hall on January 16. This was reported by entrepreneur and owner of the restaurants «1586» and «Enso. Contemplation» Sergey Slabunov, who was present at the meeting.
The main reason for the police«s proposal is the behavior of intoxicated bar patrons. They regularly disturb public order and commit crimes of varying severity. Sergey Slabunov cites one statistic: patrons of Barak O»mama committed over 200 offenses last year.
Establishment owners have reacted cautiously to the initiative. They believe that prevention, not a ban, is needed. For example, monitoring unscrupulous bar owners and promoting responsible alcohol consumption.
Alcohol is a significant part of establishments« economy. Without it, a restaurant simply cannot survive. The first to suffer will be conscientious entrepreneurs, and accordingly their employees, then suppliers, all down the chain. But those who already operate »in the shadows« will switch to counterfeit or a corkage system: bring your own, drink what you bought in the store. In the end, there will be no fewer, but more problems. We»ll have to actively fight counterfeit as well,« explains Sergey Slabunov. »The issue is complex but typical: about fifteen establishments are jeopardizing the entire industry. And if decisions are made carelessly — it could be a «coup de grâce» for the entire industry. Things are already, to put it mildly, not easy. But the conversation [at the city hall] was reasonable, which is encouraging. Everyone is listening, not just pounding the table with the slogan «ban it».
Voronezh Mayor Sergey Petrin said on January 19 after a weekly planning meeting that discussions on the issue will continue. This week, authorities will meet with establishment owners. The city head noted that the main complaints from law enforcement concern bars and clubs in the center of Voronezh.
The police have proposed banning alcohol sales in food service establishments located in residential buildings. The maximum number of complaints and violations is on Revolution Avenue. Last week, we held the first meeting; this week, I am meeting with owners. After this meeting, [we will pass the information] to the Voronezh City Duma to develop proposals and initiatives that will help restore order. We are talking about the entire sector, so the decision needs to be balanced and competent, not just to damage the entire industry because of a few negligent owners,« the mayor explained.
The editorial office of Voronezh1.ru is clarifying the police«s position with the regional department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
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