Alcohol policy in Russia in the last decade: A movement backwards

Abstract

Since the mid-nineties of this century, Russia has intensified its state policy of combating excessive alcohol consumption. In particular, a minimum price threshold for vodka was introduced, excise taxes on alcohol in alcoholic beverages were substantially increased, and a mandatory ban on nighttime retail sales was introduced. A number of studies using Russian microdata have confirmed the effectiveness of these measures. From 2007 to 2017, the dynamics of alcohol consumption by the Russian population did show a consistent decline. Many researchers, both Russian and foreign, considered this trend as a success of government policy. Recently, however, official statistics have noted an annual increase in the consumption of alcoholic beverages: from 7.2 liters of pure alcohol per capita adult population in 2017 to 7.7 in 2021. Why has the alcohol policy, designed initially in line with international best practices, not reduced consumption in recent years? This article analyzes the practice of applying price and restrictive measures for the last 10 years on the basis of Rosstat data, federal and regional legislation. Excise duties and minimum vodka prices in real terms are calculated, as well as indices of the ratio of alcoholic beverage prices and average wages. The real excise taxes and prices for alcoholic beverages decreased after 2014, making them more affordable for consumers. After 2017, there is no increase in the number of Russian territories applying stricter temporary restrictions on alcohol trade compared to the norm of the federal law. Today, almost half of the country’s population lives in regions with the mildest possible time limits on alcohol sales that do not constrain its physical availability. We have to admit that the alcohol policy is inconsistent. The formal application of price and restrictive measures in the last decade has not prevented the growth of alcohol consumption.