Russian authorities may revisit draft laws on an experiment for online sales of domestic wine. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev addressed President Vladimir Putin with a corresponding initiative. An informed source stated that the head of state supported this proposal.
This refers to a draft law that the government submitted to the State Duma for consideration back in April 2023. According to the document, sellers' wines will be stored by "Pochta Rossii". The list of permitted beverages should be formed by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture.
In a letter to Putin, Patrushev also proposed to provide for the possibility of selling wines through marketplaces. At the same time, consumers' age can be verified using the Unified Biometric System (EBS) and the Max messenger.
"Pochta Rossii" stated that the company has already prepared for the experiment. The largest Russian marketplaces, Ozon and Wildberries, have not yet responded.
What is the point of the initiative
Patrushev's proposal could support small wineries. Alexander Lipilin, Executive Director of the wine trading company Fort, stated that direct online sales would make wines from regional producers more accessible. The company "Fanagoria" added that residents of remote settlements would be able to buy wine on marketplaces.
However, the legalization of online sales causes controversy among public figures. They fear that this will lead to an increase in alcohol consumption.