In St. Petersburg, defense letters for bars are made public, addressed to Beglov

In the cultural heart of St. Petersburg, a new law, known as Law No. 301-50 or the "taps" law, has stirred up a storm among residents and business owners. Passed by the Legislative Assembly in May 2025, the law is aimed at combating "taps" but has raised concerns about its impact on small, local bars, which are considered a cherished part of the city's cultural landscape.

Deputy Dmitry Panov, representing the "New People" party, has attempted to allay fears that the new rules may lead to mass closures. He believes that the new requirements will only affect a few dozen establishments. However, small business owners and their patrons are not so optimistic. By mid-August, they had collected over 16,000 signatures against Law No. 301-50, demanding its repeal.

The key amendment in the law changes the essence of the document, completely prohibiting the sale of alcohol in bars and cafes with a service area of less than 50 sq. m., instead of just restricting nighttime trading in 24-hour alcohol stores. This new condition is considered unfeasible for many small projects and may lead to their closure or operation in the shadows.

The new requirements for bars and cafes under Law No. 301-50 include a separate entrance, kitchen, security, and an alarm button. These stringent conditions have sparked outrage among small business owners, who argue that they will be unable to meet these requirements due to financial constraints.

In response to the backlash, Deputy Panov suggested that entrepreneurs can seek support from the Smolny and the Legislative Assembly for relocation. However, this has not quelled the fears of those who fear that even with relocation, the financial burden of meeting the new requirements will be insurmountable.

In a bid to voice their concerns, St. Petersburg residents have launched a social media channel called "Polite Guests." Through this platform, they have been demanding the repeal of Law No. 301-50 and expressing their discontent with the potential loss of unique venues that contribute to the city's vibrant cultural scene.

The law's authors maintain that it is not intended to limit honest business. They claim that it is aimed at combating "taps" and ensuring a safer environment for residents. However, the absence of an alternative provision in the law has left residents feeling deprived of familiar meeting and socializing places.

On August 31, residents held symbolic funerals for small bars and small businesses in the city center, a poignant reminder of the potential loss these establishments face due to Law No. 301-50. As the law is set to take effect on September 1, the future of these small, unique venues hangs in the balance.

One glimmer of hope comes from the registry of restaurants under the law, which could potentially provide relief from constant checks and neighbor complaints for businesses that meet the new requirements. However, whether this will be enough to save St. Petersburg's cherished small bars remains to be seen.