Beer is to be legally classified as an alcoholic drink in Russia for the first time as the Kremlin shuts a loophole that has allowed brewers to avoid sweeping anti-alcohol regulation.

The beverage is technically classified as a foodstuff now and many ordinary Russians regard it as little more than a soft drink compared to vodka, which they view as real alcohol.

It is an anomaly that has led to beer being widely available on almost every street corner at outdoor kiosks, making it difficult to stop sales to underage drinkers.

Its …