Chill Out on Those Taps! 🍻 (Balyksyt Classmates WhatsApp Telegram Twitter)
Expansion of the renowned "distillery" in Yakutsk - purpose disclosed
Yakutia.Info is shining a spotlight on the ongoing clash between Yakutsk's anti-alcohol policy and the city's booming "establishments". As the authorities brag about less booze, the sudden pop-up of larger hangouts suggests otherwise. A prime example is the illustrious "drinking hole", "Balyksyt".
Back in August 2024, the run-down shanty of "Balyksyt" was bulldozed, but it wasn't any ordinary watering hole. It was a bustling booze trading hub with numerous options, not just beer. A few cramped tables, often filled with intoxicated patrons sans grub, earned it the title of "food service establishment". This entitled the bar to sell alcohol until 2 AM, making it a cash cow. Booze, chips, and cheese sticks ruled the roost here.
The joint was so lucrative that the building made way for a grand, modern two-story building during construction. The neighborhood breathes a sigh of relief, temporarily free from tipsy queues, ruckus, and late-night debauchery. But, the peace may be short-lived as the new Balyksyt nears its grand opening, much to the delight of the local booze mafia, city revelers, and village swiggers alike.
The amendments to the republican law on additional restrictions on alcohol sales came into effect on September 1, 2023. They mandated a minimum service area of 75 square meters for alcohol trading in Yakutsk. It leaves us scratching our heads on how "Balyksyt" operated for almost a year with a measly 40 square meters. Rumors hint at powerful backings.
Fast forward to November 2024, lawmakers of the State Assembly (Il Tumen) passed new amendments. Taps bars and bars near residences will only be permitted to operate from 2 PM to 8 PM, like alcohol markets. Licenced restaurants will have their hours limited to 12 PM to 11 PM. These changes will take effect on March 1, 2025.
As construction progresses on the new Balyksyt building without a hitch, we're left to wonder about its future. Will it be an upscale dining experience or a simpler Siberian shack? Or perhaps, the resurrection of the same "shady booze spot"?
The authorities' condo policy seems to be a case of focusing on the wrong targets. They're tightening the screws on decent hydration hubs while the "taps" bars thrive. "Taps" bars have a minimal menu, mostly crackers and chips, reducing their overhead costs significantly. Plus, they need less space and can move around easily, avoiding heavy rent and relocation expenses.
Local lawmakers seem to be missing the big picture. The "taps" bars are here to stay, thriving in spite of legislative efforts. If they introduced more precise definitions for different types of establishments in the law, such as the existing GOST-30389-95 for catering establishments, the "fake cafes" problem would vanish instantly. In fact, the same certification mechanism is already in place for hotels.
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Tags: small business, anti-alcohol campaign, restaurants, fight against alcoholism, fake cafes, alcoholization, Nalivaykas, Balyksyta, fake cafes
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- The clash between Yakutsk's anti-alcohol policy and the city's booming small businesses, such as the Balyksyt drinking establishment, raises questions about the effectiveness of the policy.
- Interestingly, small businesses like "taps" bars are posing a challenge to the anti-alcohol campaign, as they have minimal menus, low overhead costs, and require less space, making them difficult to regulate.
- In light of the proliferation of such businesses and the ongoing debate on their impact on health-and-wellness and finance, it would be prudent for local lawmakers to reconsider their approach and introduce more precise definitions for different types of establishments to address the issue effectively.
