For decades now, Russia has tried to control the alcohol consumption of its people. They are number one in alcohol consumption, forcing its government to do something. The Kremlin was able to manage the problem with casino gambling by prohibiting it this July. However, drinking is a bigger problem because it’s already a part of the Russians.

Each Russian drinks about 4.75 gallons of pure alcohol each year, double the number considered dangerous. Studies have been made to see how deeply alcohol affects Russia. In 1990, the death of more than half the people in Siberia aged 15-54 is caused by alcohol.

One way to solve this problem is by raising the price of vodka. Today, half a liter of vodka only cost $2, significantly lower compared to other countries. A harder but surer way of dealing with alcohol consumption is by closing down the unlicensed distillery because they compose a large part of the industry.

The drunk tank in Mytishchi, Russia gets a number of drunkards everyday. This gets worse during payday, and the government can’t do anything about it. The only punishment of those brought to the drunk tank is a small fine: $3.50. It hasn’t changed since the Soviet times.