Vologda Region Cracks Down on Alcohol Sales Amid Safety Concerns

Authorities in the northwestern Vologda region imposed a temporary ban on alcohol sales at numerous locations of the Krasnoe & Beloe liquor chain on Monday, citing purported safety infractions.

Governor Georgy Filimonov announced that the restrictions affect 58 stores throughout the region, mainly situated in Vologda and Cherepovets.

“As of July 25, the company’s alcohol retail license has been suspended due to the violations identified,” Filimonov wrote on Telegram. “The stores are still operational but are prohibited from selling any alcoholic beverages.”

He did not elaborate on the specific nature of the alleged infractions.

Since March, the region has had limitations on alcohol sales, allowing retail outlets to sell beverages only on weekdays between noon and 2 p.m.

Filimonov has defended these measures as part of a larger initiative aimed at addressing what he refers to as “the decline of Northern Russia,” accusing liquor sellers of perpetrating “alcohol terrorism.”

As a political outsider appointed by President Vladimir Putin in 2023, Filimonov has sparked debate with a series of stringent proposals, including a suggestion to outlaw abortions. Earlier this year, over 120 members of the ruling United Russia party, of which he is a part, called for his resignation.

He has also had conflicts with billionaire Alexei Mordashov, whose company Severstal has significant investments in the region, over what Filimonov referred to as unmet investment expectations in the local wood processing sector.