Until 2011, beer was considered a food in Russia—not an alcoholic beverage!

Until 2011, everything containing less than 10% alcohol in Russia was classified as food. This meant that beer was available in all stores and kiosks around the clock and it was common to see people drink beer in parks and in the streets as if it was a soft drink.

By 2011, Russian alcohol consumption had reached twice the critical level set by the World Health Organization. Although vodka has always been the ‘traditional’ drink in Russia, beer was marketed as a ‘healthier alternative’—increasing beer sales by 40% while vodka sales dropped by nearly 30%

The Russian beer industry was hit by a 200% tax hike on its products in 2010, as ministers sought to bring the beer swigging country under control. Eventually, beer was classified as alcoholic, with the law coming into effect in 2013.

This law allows ministers to exercise the same control over beer sales that they have over the sales of spirits like vodka. Beer is no longer sold in unlicensed kiosks and stores, and is only sold between certain hours. The advertising of beer is also now restricted.

"The law brings some order into the sale of beer," said Vadim Drobiz, director of the Centre for Federal and Regional Alcohol Market Studies.

(Source)