In a Russian restaurant bankruptcy, an event or booking deposit usually becomes a monetary claim if the service was not provided, while food stock, equipment and alcohol follow different regimes. Identify the provider from the contract and receipt, the event date, services already delivered and title to each asset. The restaurant brand, kitchen operator and premises tenant may differ.
Calculate deposits
Bookings, event menus and gift vouchers require a separate unused-balance calculation.
Stock is perishable
Food needs prompt inventory, expiry review and lawful sale or disposal.
A licence is not freely transferable
Alcohol rules attach to the licensee, address and statutory compliance.
Quick self-check
- The provider is identified from contract, receipt and payment recipient.
- Menu, estimate, booking, messages and payment evidence are saved.
- Food, alcohol, tableware, furniture and rented equipment are separated.
- The alcohol licensee and licensed address are verified.
- Service, rent, supply and employment periods are established.
Identify the Debtor
The brand, landlord, manager and legal entity on the receipt may differ. Identify the recipient and basis of every payment. Obligations of a separate caterer or individual business should not be transferred automatically to the restaurant.
Bookings, Events and Vouchers
Record the event date, cancellation terms, deposit, agreed menu and services already provided. The same amount cannot be claimed both as the full deposit and as the value of an accepted outcome. Voucher payment, term and use history matter.
Who cancelled the event and why it matters
Checked on 21 October 2026. If a consumer voluntarily cancels the service, Article 32 of the Russian Consumer Protection Law permits withdrawal at any time subject to the provider’s actual costs for that contract. Request a calculation and supporting records; calling the payment a “non-refundable deposit” does not replace review of the retention basis.
If service deadlines are breached or it becomes clear that timely performance is impossible, Article 28 applies. On withdrawal on that basis, the restaurant cannot demand its costs or payment for the service, except for an outcome accepted by the consumer. Voluntary cancellation and an event disrupted by the provider therefore require different calculations. Check the conditions for applying the rule and the reasons for delay against the records.
These rules concern a consumer order. For a company-funded business event, first establish the applicable contractual regime. The amount of a valid claim also differs from the distribution ultimately available in insolvency.
Records and steps when the restaurant closes
- Keep the contract, receipt, bank confirmation, menu, estimate and messages showing the event date. Identify the provider and deposit recipient from their legal details.
- Record who cancelled and why: the restaurant’s notice, your request or closure announcement. Preserve complete messages rather than an isolated quotation.
- State the refund basis and amount in writing, identify the payment and refund details, and request a calculation for any deduction. Keep the request and delivery evidence.
- Check whether a case concerns your actual provider, which procedure has begun and what the Federal Bankruptcy Register publishes. A closed door alone does not establish bankruptcy.
- Reconcile paid amounts, accepted performance, prior refunds and the balance. If insolvency proceedings have begun, check the correct procedural route: a letter to the restaurant does not replace filing a claim in the case where required.
Food and Alcohol
Inventory food by quantity, expiry, title and storage conditions. Alcohol requires separate accounting under special circulation rules. Bottles on the premises cannot be sold merely because they are physically present; licensing, records and product status must be checked.
Premises and Equipment
Ovens, refrigerators, furniture and tills may belong to the restaurant, landlord or finance lessor. Improvements and signage require lease review. Use lists, photographs, serial numbers and a handover record before moving assets.
- inventory by area;
- match serial numbers;
- locate rent and finance contracts;
- separate third-party assets;
- record premises condition.
Employees, Suppliers and Payments
Wages, food supply, rent, utilities and customer deposits have different bases and priorities. Continued operations require separation of current transactions from old debt. A late invoice does not by itself change the obligation’s origin date.
| Situation | Review | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Event deposit | Payment, date and service delivered | Calculate balance |
| Gift voucher | Issuer and use | Prove the claim |
| Food stock | Title, expiry and condition | Inventory promptly |
| Alcohol | Licensee, address and records | Follow special circulation rules |
| Equipment | Title, rent or finance | Separate third-party assets |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an event deposit be refunded in full?
First establish the cancellation basis: voluntary withdrawal and the restaurant’s delay have different consequences, as explained above. Actual insolvency distributions also depend on procedure, priority and assets.
May third-party equipment be collected?
Yes, once title and the specific item are proven and handover is arranged with the premises controller.
Can the alcohol licence be sold to the restaurant buyer?
It is not an ordinary transferable asset; a new operator must meet the special statutory regime.
Who owes on a voucher: restaurant or platform?
Identify the issuer, payment recipient and platform terms.
How does a supplier prove its claim?
Use contract, delivery records, acceptance, payment and calculation; treatment depends on supply date and case stage.
Legal Sources
- Public Catering Service Rules, Resolution No. 1515.
- Federal Law No. 171-FZ.
- Russian Consumer Protection Law.
- Federal Law No. 127-FZ.
- Federal Bankruptcy Register.
Related guides: warehouse bankruptcy, beauty salon bankruptcy and corporate bankruptcy.
Did the Restaurant Close with Your Deposit or Property?
We can review the provider, accounts, assets, licensing restrictions and the claim route.
BOOK AN INITIAL CONSULTATIONGeneral information as at 21 October 2026. Treatment depends on contract, provider, asset type, licensing and case stage.