Russia in 2013: Where to buy beer?

Worth a click

Japanese climber, 80, becomes oldest atop Everest

KATMANDU, Nepal – An 80-year-old Japanese mountaineer became the oldest person to reach the top of Mount Everest on Thursday – although his record may last only a few days.Today 3:04 am

Slow pokes: Acupuncture helps hypothermic turtles

QUINCY, Mass. – Two endangered sea turtles that are shells of their former selves after getting stranded on Cape Cod during a cold spell are getting some help easing back into the wild – from an acupuncturist.Tuesday

Suspects mistakenly dial 911 during break-in

FRESNO, Calif. – Two California men were in custody on Monday after accidentally dialing 911 on a cellphone before breaking into a car, authorities said.Monday

MOSCOW – A big question for many Russians in 2013 may be, “How do I get a beer around here?”

Under a law that took effect on New Year’s Day, selling beer at Russia’s ubiquitous kiosks is banned. Beer now can be purchased only at restaurants, cafes and stores of at least 50 square meters (about 500 square feet).

The law also changes beer’s classification from a food to an alcoholic beverage, meaning it can’t be sold in any store from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Kiosks mushroomed along Russian sidewalks and roadsides after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, reflecting a lively but disorderly free market. In recent years, kiosks have gradually faded away as conventional stores got more of a foothold, but they are still common.