Wives of Alcoholics Screen Men for Sobriety

So serious is the effect of alcoholism on the Russian economy that an entrepreneur has started a registry of certified sober workers.

Wives of known alcoholics serve on the committee that examines the men for the certificate, because they have the necessary experience to spot the tell-tale signs.

Employers pay a fee to get access to the list of certified sober workers.

Drink has a serious impact on Russia’s economy. A 1995 study found that regular drunkenness affected as many as 60 per cent of manual and 21 per cent of white-collar staff. Source.