Additional budget revenues from alcohol sales

The ban on alcohol sales from 10 pm to 9 am, which was introduced on June 15^th, 2015 in Minsk, has been lifted. This measure aimed to improve the financial health of alcohol producers. In the near future, control over payments for alcoholic products supply will be tightened, retailers will be stripped of licenses on alcohol sales if they have arrears to state-owned enterprises for the alcohol production. Alcohol imports will be restricted and tighter controlled. The state budget will raise additional revenues from alcohol sales during the night. Excise duties on alcohol and tobacco make substantial part of budget revenues and given the problems with budget deficit, the state is interest in maximisation of excisable products sales.