Fines for using Russian music in public catering establishments should be significantly increased, as the current sanctions do not work as a deterrent. This was stated by Oleksandr Sanchenko, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada subcommittee on the music industry and president of the All-Ukrainian Association of Musical Events UAME, in a comment to Interfax-Ukraine.
According to him, the current fine of 170 hryvnias is actually symbolic, especially for large restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues. Such amounts do not motivate businesses to comply with the ban, as violations can be ignored without tangible financial consequences.
Sanchenko emphasized that for sanctions to be truly effective, not only a clear procedure for recording violations is needed, but also a significantly higher fine. In his opinion, the amount should exceed 50,000 hryvnias so that the owners of establishments have a real fear of punishment and a desire to comply with the law.
He also reported that the relevant committee is currently working on creating an effective mechanism of control and accountability together with the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Olena Ivanovska. This involves developing new rules that will allow for a more effective response to violations of language legislation in the field of services.
It is expected that decisions on strengthening responsibility for broadcasting Russian music in public catering establishments may be adopted as early as next year. Lawmakers emphasize that this is not a formal ban, but a real tool for protecting the Ukrainian cultural space.
