Implementation of wine monopoly in Russia: aims and effects

The paper deals with the organization and regulation of hard alcohol production and sales in Russia in relation to the establishment of government issued wine monopoly in the second half of the 1990-ies. During 1895–1898 state sales of vodka was introduced in 35 provinces, and then extended to other regions of theEmpire. Introduction of the wine monopoly was an important stage in the history of the State regulation of the drinking issue in Russia.