Extending a ban that already has been imposed on the sale of hard liquor after 11PM, the municipal government of Moscow, Russia announced that starting at 7 PM on December 31, through 8 AM the following morning, all alcohol sales will be prohibited in the city's downtown district.

The decision is hoped to protect all citizens by preventing alcohol abuse, with an additional safety measure being imposed as any beverages in glass containers are banned from public celebration areas.

A big bravo, Moscow City government, for your initiative to keep celebrations safe as residents ring in the New Year. May such noble endeavors inspire many other governments toward similar life-protecting measures, in 2012 and beyond.

http://rt.com/art-and-culture/news/central-moscow-alcohol-ban-new-year-447/
http://www.bakutoday.net/on-new-years-eve-in-the-centre-of-moscow-to-sell-alcohol-will-not-be.html
http://www.themoscownews.com/local/20111220/189305217.html