Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, all major cities in the besieged country banned the sale of alcoholic beverages. One month into the war, much of western Ukraine and many other regions are once again permitting the sale of alcohol, dividing residents, according to a Ukrainian media report.
Cities under heavy Russian assault, such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa, are keeping alcohol bans in place. The largest city in western Ukraine, Lviv, is also keeping bars and liquor stores shut, but since March 16, most of Ukraine’s other western cities are once again permitting the sale of beer, wine, and cider, leading to long lines at bars but upsetting some residents, the Kyiv Independent reported.
Some Ukrainians argued that spirits can lift the people’s spirit.
“I really missed alcohol. … Alcohol, you drink it, and everything is good,” Andriy, a resident of Kyiv who fled to Lviv, told the Ukrainian media outlet.
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Some regional leaders say that lifting the ban would help support local economies and generate tax revenue, arguing that alcohol is still being sold under the table.
“I do not want to shock fans of the prohibition, but vodka is sold anyway,” said Danylo Hetmantsev, the head of the Ukrainian Parliament’s tax and customs committee.
Others, however, think the booze ban is a good idea and should remain in place while the country battles Russian invaders.
“You can drink all you want later,” Dr. Leora Bilman told the Kyiv Independent. “But not now.”
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This line of thinking echoes Lviv’s mayor, who is keeping the alcohol ban in place.
“We will celebrate after the victory,” Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said.
