Overview

• A law in force since September 1 bars retail alcohol licenses for stores in apartment buildings with entrances facing courtyards.
• Only street-facing entrances within 30 meters of the road edge qualify for retail licensing, according to regional lawmaker Sergey Kerselyan.
• Roughly 1,030 outlets have stopped selling alcohol so far, largely sellers of low-strength drinks without licenses, with inspections continuing.
• Licensed retailers may keep selling until their current permits expire under transitional provisions.
• Separate norms prohibit sales from 23:00 to 08:00 in cafes and bars inside apartment buildings, with an exception for restaurants, and attached or built-in premises are not affected.