Bayrakatuba, a small village in Bashkiria, has won 1.5 million rubles in the “Sober Village” competition, highlighting the success of anti-alcohol efforts in the region. The village, with a population of only 90 people, is one of the 12 most sober settlements in the republic.

Despite the award, the question remains: Is Bayrakatuba truly free of alcohol?

The “Sober Village” project in Bashkiria aims to combat alcohol abuse, which initiators say costs the state trillions of rubles annually. The project awards cash prizes to villages deemed “soberer than others,” with the money intended for community improvements.

Locals claim there is no heavy drinking or public intoxication in Bayrakatuba. The village lacks a store, which closed 15-20 years ago.

Bayrakatuba faces challenges such as poor roads and limited amenities. Residents travel to the city of Tuimazy for groceries, and there have been conflicts between locals and a farmer, Ramil Zagidullin, who keeps livestock near the village.

Rustam Gilyazev, a local resident and initiator of Bayrakatuba’s nomination in the competition, plans to use the prize money to improve the village road.

The “Sober Village” program has helped to unite residents for a common cause. Villagers have plans to create a playground and improve the embankment near the Ik River.

While some villagers recall a time when alcohol was more prevalent, they claim that drinking is no longer fashionable. One local pensioner expressed surprise at the suggestion of finding moonshine in the village.

Despite efforts to find alcohol, including asking locals where to find moonshine, the search proved unsuccessful.

Ultimately, the investigation leaves the question unanswered: Is Bayrakatuba truly a “sober village,” or is alcohol simply consumed discreetly?