Moscow police detain 117 drunk drivers

MOSCOW - Moscow police detained more than 100 motorists over drunk driving early Monday, the Orthodox Christmas, which falls 13 days after the Western Christmas, according to a statement of the municipal traffic police department on Tuesday.

"Overall, 117 drunk drivers were detained," it said, adding 55 of the drivers refused to take the alcohol test.

In a bid to curb the over-drinking problem, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law at the beginning of the year, forbidding beer sales at nighttime from 11:00 pm to 8:00 am. In addition, beer was reclassified as an alcoholic beverage, which means all shops have to apply for licenses.

The Orthodox Christmas is a festival seen as a day of spiritual reflection and holiday celebration. Church services, starting from Jan 6, usually last for more than three hours with the compline, the matins and the liturgy.