Salary increase and new fines: what changes for alcohol sellers from October 1
1 October 07:17
Starting from October 1, 2025, new wage requirements for employees who sell alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarette liquids, or work at gas stations will come into effect in Ukraine. This is reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the State Tax Service.
According to the law No. 4536-IX (draft law No. 13157), adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on July 16, entrepreneurs who have the appropriate licenses are obliged to provide their employees with a minimum average monthly salary of
- at least 16 thousand hryvnias in cities;
- at least UAH 12 thousand in villages and remote areas.
Who is subject to the new requirements
The new rules apply to business entities that hold retail licenses:
- alcoholic beverages (including cider and perry without added alcohol)
- tobacco products;
- e-liquids for electronic cigarettes;
- fuel.
These companies must comply with the requirements for the average salary of their employees depending on the location of the outlet.
Details for different categories of entrepreneurs
For remote or small outlets
If the outlet is located outside the administrative centers of the regions, Kyiv or Sevastopol, at a distance of at least 50 km, and the area of the sales area does not exceed 500 square meters, the average salary of employees must be at least UAH 12,000 (i.e. 1.5 times the minimum wage).
For other businesses
For all other places of trade, the requirement is higher – at least UAH 16,000 (2 minimum wages).
What will happen for violations
The State Tax Service warns that
- failure to comply with the salary requirements will result in the termination of the license to sell alcohol, tobacco or fuel.
Thus, starting from October 1, the government is setting new standards for legal businesses that sell excisable goods. This step is intended to de-shadow the market, ensure transparency of remuneration and increase social guarantees for employees.
