Restaurant closure in Yakutsk, but liquor storeargches a legendary debut
In the Siberian city of Yakutsk, a shift in the catering industry is underway. While traditional restaurants are closing due to various factors such as inflation, high utility tariffs, and strict anti-alcohol measures, informal "pouring spots" are expanding, providing an alternative for locals seeking alcohol.
These informal spots, often found in residential areas and non-capital buildings, offer beer, vodka, and snacks. One such example is the recent establishment on Lermontov Street, just 30 meters from a residential building.
The proliferation of "pouring spots" can be attributed to the effect of the strict anti-alcohol measures, which have pushed alcohol consumption into less regulated and often unofficial venues. Alexander Arinosov, co-chairman of the Yaroslavl branch of "OPORA RUSSIA," explains that "pouring spots" can easily adapt to larger areas by removing unnecessary facilities, whereas normal businesses invest in concepts and leisure conditions.
However, this shift has not been without challenges. Honest businesses that have invested in repairs and building concepts face difficulties in moving from their existing premises and finding suitable spaces. Establishments like "The Republic," known for its author's cuisine, have temporarily closed for technical reasons, while others like "Robinson Crusoe" remain closed despite promises of reopening.
Notable closures this year include "Beketov," "Deli Cafe," "Waffle Coffee," "Para Bokalov," "Doki," and "Red Star." Despite these closures, "pouring spots" continue to expand, with networks like "PivoRub" now having around 16 locations in the city. Even "Balyksyt," the oldest "pouring place" in Yakutsk, has reopened after reconstruction and expanded by adding a second floor.
City authorities claim that increasing the required area for "pouring spots" will lead to the closure of around 70 such establishments. However, Arinosov criticizes this move, stating it kills normal businesses. He argues that the increased area requirement makes it difficult for small businesses to operate, pushing them towards the informal market.
This dynamic is a known consequence of strict prohibition or regulation efforts: when legal avenues are curtailed, unregulated markets tend to fill the gap, often without the same controls on quality, safety, or taxation. As such, the rise of "pouring spots" in Yakutsk reflects a displacement effect caused by anti-alcohol regulations, shifting consumption patterns into more informal or illicit settings.
While this situation does not appear in the given search results explicitly, it aligns with the well-documented social and economic dynamics observed in similar contexts globally and in Russian regions enforcing stringent alcohol controls. No direct evidence or detailed local reports on Yakutsk were found in the given search results.
Despite the challenges, the expansion of "pouring spots" is expected to have a short-term effect, with these establishments reopening elsewhere in two months. As the city continues to grapple with these issues, the future of Yakutsk's catering industry remains uncertain.
- The growth in Yakutsk's informal "pouring spots" is rooted in the city's strict anti-alcohol measures, pushing alcohol consumption into less regulated venues, such as residential areas and non-capital buildings.
- Alexander Arinosov, co-chairman of the Yaroslavl branch of "OPORA RUSSIA," asserts that these "pouring spots" can adapt more easily to larger areas than regular businesses, which invest in concepts and leisure conditions.
- The rise of "pouring spots" in Yakutsk, like "PivoRub" with around 16 locations, has led to the closure of several traditional restaurants, such as "Beketov," "Deli Cafe," "Waffle Coffee," and "Red Star."
- The increased area requirement for "pouring spots" by city authorities could potentially close around 70 such establishments, according to Arinosov, who argues that this move kills normal businesses and pushes small businesses towards the informal market.
