Domestic passengers will be able to purchase alcohol at the airport while waiting at the gate and in baggage claim areas. This was reported by the Izvestia newspaper with reference to Nikolai Arefiev, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy. It is expected that new requirements for the sale of alcoholic beverages will come into force in the summer of 2026.
According to Arefiev, the updated rules will make shopping for citizens at the airport more convenient and easier. At the same time, the deputy did not agree with the statement that such measures will only increase the consumption of alcoholic beverages, but will not help the Russian economy in any way. Arefiev believes that the money that people spend on purchases in waiting rooms or during baggage claim will be able to strengthen the position of domestic business. At the same time, the official emphasized that drinks will still not be consumed during the flight.
In addition, the State Duma stated that buying alcohol at the airport helps to improve the culture of alcohol consumption, since duty free stores usually have higher quality products than those in regular supermarkets. Legislators are also confident that the innovation will allow wine producers to produce more goods for airports. The profits of companies should therefore increase, the State Duma emphasized.
Source: Rosbalt
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