Photo by ok.ru/turkmenworld
On 19 August it became known that the authorities of Turkmenistan imposed a ban on the sale of alcohol until the closing of the Asian Games.
Ashgabat was the first city to stop the sale of alcoholic beverages. Correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” report that police patrols keep vigil at residential districts popularly referred to as Mir.
The ban on the sale of alcohol resulted in the illegal sale of vodka in privately-owned stores, which resulted in a price hike.For example, the price for a bottle which had cost 15-18 manats, went up to 20 manats in the first days after the new ban was introduced.
Now, the price for a bottle of vodka can reach as high as 40 manats ($11,5 using the official rate or $6 at the black market rate) .
Following the capital, alcohol is no longer sold in other regions. For instance, on Wednesday the sale of alcoholic beverages was stopped in Dashoguz.
“Since the morning all alcohol has been removed from the counters.Now it is impossible to buy drinks, even in cafes.A heavy fine of 3000 manats ($857 using the official rate or $455 at the black market rate) is imposed for the illegal sale of alcohol, and an intoxicated individual may be arrested and detained by the police for 15 days”, our correspondents said.
Owners of bars, restaurants and cafes are extremely dissatisfied with the newly-imposed rules.According to them, during the crisis when the number of customers significantly decreased, their revenues plummeted.
After the ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks, which made up the main part of their profits, they will have to go through hard times. “How should we arrange weddings and other festivities?” entrepreneurs complain.