Number of bars declines in Russia’s million-plus cities

The number of bars has begun declining in Russian cities with populations of more than one million, Vedomosti reports, citing data from the 2GIS service.

The data showed, as of the end of August, around 5,900 bars were operating in Russia’s million-plus cities, 6% fewer than a year earlier.

In Moscow, the number of such establishments fell by 14% over the year to 1,900, while Krasnodar recorded a 9% decline to 285 bars.

Experts attribute the decline to growing competition, weaker consumer purchasing power, rising operating costs and a heavier tax burden.

Other factors include a sharp drop in weekday foot traffic, as people increasingly choose to stay home, as well as declining interest in alcohol overall.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov