SOME NEWS from Russia today: beer is no longer a food.

New laws taking effect in the federation today end a long-running situation where drinks with an alcohol content of under 10 per cent were legally treated on an equal basis to non-alcoholic drinks.

The laws meant that, until now, the sale of beer was almost totally unregulated, leading to widespread consumption of beer as an alternative to soft drinks.

The laws, which were approved by MPs 18 months ago but only came into effect today, also restrict alcohol advertising and will outlaw the sale of beer between 11pm and 8am outside of licensed bars or restaurants.

Most importantly for everyday drinkers, however, beer can no longer be purchased from a vending machine or a kiosk.

Beer has become significantly more popular in Russia in recent years, surpassing vodka as the most widely-consumed everyday alcohol, and leading to further fears about Russia’s growing problem of alcohol abuse.

The new restrictions come on top of previous moves to triple the taxes levied on beer, failed to make a dent in sales.