Russians will soon be able to use their driving licence as proof of age when buying alcohol, the Kommersant newspaper reported Tuesday.
Shoppers will be allowed to show their passport, driving licence, a residence or temporary residence permit, military ID card, or refugee status certificate from March 2017, according to a letter reportedly sent to retailers by Russia’s Industry and Trade Ministry.
A Russian or foreign passport is currently the only approved method of identification when buying alcohol in Russia’s shops, although a driving licence can be accepted when buying other age-restricted items, such as tobacco.
Cashiers who sell alcohol to minors currently face a fine of 30,000 ($461) to 50,000 rubles ($769). Companies can be given penalties of between 300,000 ($4,616) to 500,000 rubles ($7,694).
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