Vologda governor ignites debate with severe alcohol curbs
Georgy Filimonov, the governor of the Vologda region, plans to introduce restrictions on alcohol sales. He plans to limit availability to just two hours a day between noon and 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Additionally, alcohol sales will be completely banned on public holidays.
25 October 2024 17:28
Information about the planned changes was reported on Friday by the independent Russian portal Mediazona and the newspaper "Kommersant." Filimonov's decision has sparked controversy among the region's residents, who are not keen on such strict restrictions.
- The residents are not enthused about this idea: last year, the Vologda region ranked among the top ten regions in Russia for alcohol consumption – commented the portal Goworit Niemoskva.
According to the media, the governor wants to be seen as a proponent of a healthy and active lifestyle and often refers to Slavic traditions.
At the beginning of October, Filimonov also announced the erection of a monument to Joseph Stalin in Vologda, explaining it as a response to "requests" from the public. If the project to restrict alcohol sales is approved, in the Vologda region "it will be like in Chechnya" – noted the RTVI portal.
In Chechnya, alcohol can only be purchased for 2 hours a day. These restrictions were introduced due to the strict religious rules that govern the society. The dominant religion in Chechnya is Islam.
