Illegal alcohol markets are being closed en masse in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      April 16, 2026 17:54 Economy More than 100 units of alcoholic products were seized from illegal circulation following an inspection of a catering enterprise in the Kanavinsky district of Nizhny Novgorod. The raid was conducted by employees of the regional Ministry of Industry. Administrative cases have been initiated.

      The head of the relevant ministry, Maxim Cherkasov, reported that unscheduled inspections are conducted on an ongoing basis — both in response to residents' complaints and based on the analysis of the interagency management system in the field of control and licensing.

      In 2019, when the system was just starting to operate, there were about 480 problematic retail outlets listed. All of them were inspected, preventive work was carried out with entrepreneurs, and currently, almost all such facilities have been closed. At the same time, new cases are being recorded, which are promptly suppressed thanks to interagency cooperation.

      Cherkasov specified that as a result of 2025, 81 facilities left the market: 18 closed, 17 changed their line of business, six obtained licenses, and the others ceased illegal alcohol sales. In 2026, the work continued: seven organizations have already been closed, and one facility has been repurposed.

      "For example, a flower shop will soon open in place of a bar that operated for more than two years in the Avtozavodsky district," the minister added.

      Since the beginning of this year, specialists have conducted seven inspections of retail organizations, during which a number of violations were identified. In particular, some companies lacked licenses and accompanying documents for alcoholic products. As a result, 34 protocols on administrative offenses were drawn up, and more than 250 units of products were seized from illegal circulation.

      Residents of the Nizhny Novgorod region can report facts of illegal alcohol trading to the regional Ministry of Industry. According to the legislation, the complaint must be authorized — with the indication of the applicant's personal data.

      Information on how to submit applications can be obtained by calling the hotline: 8 (831) 435-16-18. In addition, all identified points of illegal trade are displayed on a special electronic map available to residents of the region.

      Recall that the "Interagency Management System in the Field of Control and Licensing," developed by the regional Ministry of Industry, combines data from the ministry, the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Nizhny Novgorod region, and the administration of Nizhny Novgorod. It receives information about identified violations, including trading without a license, necessary documents, and labeling, as well as the sale of alcohol of unknown origin. This system was first implemented by the regional Ministry of Industry in the country.

      It was previously reported that 550 Nizhny Novgorod stores stopped selling vapes. Reducing the prevalence of smoking and fostering a culture of healthy living are among the tasks of the national project "Sustained and Active Life."

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