The Governor of the Capital City and the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city issued an order on the 14th of February in connection to the government's decision to downgrade the state of readiness from orange to yellow and abolish the high level of disaster preparedness. To clarify, the order A/176 which prohibited the sale and serving of alcohol on the first day of every month, has been revoked. Meanwhile, the order A/177 made changes to the timetable of trade and service entities.

The decision was made public by the Senior Advisor of Administration and Legal Affairs to the Governor of the Capital City D.Munkh-Erdene and Head of the Food Production, Trade and Service Department of the Governor of Capital City T.Zoljargal, during a press conference. With this new order A/176 from the Governor of the Capital city, it repeals second provision “Setting time limits” in order A/504, adopted on May 28^th, 2019.

During the press conference Senior Advisor of Administration and Legal Affairs to the Governor of the Capital City D.Munkh-Erdene said “The Governor of the Capital city has made many decisions on numerous occasions which have been aimed at reducing government bureaucracy and burdensome aspects of the civil service in an effort to support business operators. Prior to making these decision, we thoroughly did extensive research and calculations. Instead of approaching anti-alcohol policies with direct bans, it is most effective to promote appropriate use and implement enlightenment policies. According to international research, there is no such record where the prohibition of alcohol sale prevailed. Research indicates that the ban on sales of alcohol only motivates illegal sale, household alcoholism and has only pushed us toward uncontrollable situations. As a result of the, order A/176 has been signed by the Governor of the Capital City.

With the repeal of the provision that prohibited the sale of alcohol on the first day of every month starting at 00:00 hours until 00:00 hours of the second day, citizens, companies and organizations must be sure to follow the prohibitions set by Article 7, 8, and 9.2 of the Law on Combating Alcoholism.

CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE WORKING TIMETABLES OF SOME TRADE AND SERVICE ENTITIES

With the adoption of the Governor of Capital City’s order A/177, some changes were made to the working hours of businesses within the premises of the capital city with special permits to sell and serve alcohol.  Relating to this change Senior Advisor of Administration and Legal Affairs D.Munkh-Erdene stated that “With the government’s decision, all activities are returning to their normal state. However, we still need to maintain the infection control procedures. The return to normal hours means that the businesses and organization will not be fined, or bothered for working overtime. These entities must work within the legal timeframe and follow the respective standards. If the regulations are followed appropriately, there will not be any complications.”

On the other hand, to clarify on the public perception of the convenience stores, Head of the Food Production, Trade and Service Department of the Governor of Capital City Ms. T.Zoljargal:

The retail market standards have been renewed in 2019. This includes convenience store standards too. There are 283 convenience stores in 6 districts across the capital city. What the public perceives as convenience store is limited to CU and GS25. However, big chain stores such as “Sansar”, “Nomin”, “Minii Delguur” have already adopted convenience store standards. Any store that meets the standards of a convenience store may operate within their work space for 24 hours a day.

OPERATION HOURS FOR BUSINESS ENTITIES IN THE CAPITAL CITY WITH SPECIAL LICENSES TO SELL AND SERVE ALCOHOL

Business entities in capital city with special licenses to sell and serve alcohol may start operations starting at 07:00 hours

OPERATION HOURS FOR TRADE AND SERVICE IN THE CAPITAL CITY

       CAPITAL CITY TRAINING, RESEARCH AND PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY