Неценовое регулирование алкогольного рынка и потребление водки в разных доходных группах

Экономическая политика. 2026. Т. 21. № 3. С. 152–193.

Sadykova E.

This article analyzes the impact of non-price alcohol market regulation instruments on vodka consumption in various income groups of the Russian population. The theoretical and empirical starting point is Russian and international studies confirming the role of restrictions on the time and conditions of alcohol sales, although often without taking into account the price factor. The novelty of the study lies in the comprehensive assessment of several non-price measures (morning, evening, and night time restrictions, “sobriety days”) in combination with price instruments, as well as in their differentiated analysis by income level. The empirical base covers the period 2011–2022; to account for selection and heterogeneity of effects, the Heckman instrumental variable model and the difference-in-differences method with Callaway and San’Anna estimates are used. It is shown that excessively strict morning restrictions (before 2:00 PM) reduce vodka consumption only in below-average income groups, whereas reductions in sales hours during more moderate morning hours (10:00 AM and 11:00 AM) affect all groups. Tightening evening restrictions significantly reduces consumption among low-income groups, but has little impact on affluent consumers. It was found that increasing the number of "sobriety days" has an ambiguous impact, which may indicate a deferred demand effect or that these measures are primarily aimed at reducing the social consequences of alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the known correlations between vodka consumption and age, education, religiosity, marital status, and type of residence were confirmed. It was concluded that measures to limit the temporary and physical availability of alcohol, combined with targeted pricing instruments, have the greatest potential to reduce harm among the most vulnerable segments of the population, while price-based interventions are most effective for the most affluent groups.

Keywords: антиалкогольная политика, ограничения торговли алкоголем