Light must not shine from windows: Mykolaiv businesses reminded to observe blackout rules

Stores, cafés, restaurants, and other businesses in Mykolaiv must comply with the current full blackout schedule from 01:00 to 05:00. The administration of the Zavodskyi District of the Mykolaiv City Council reminded business owners of this obligation.

The requirements apply to managers of retail outlets, food-service establishments, and other business entities. During the blackout period, they must:

• keep buildings and the areas around them unlit from the outside;
• switch off lighting on advertising structures, signs, and illuminated displays;
• prevent light from inside the premises from shining outside;
• comply with the established full-blackout requirements.

This special regime applies throughout Mykolaiv Oblast. Its legal basis is Order No. 30 of September 21, 2026, issued by Heorhii Reshetylov, acting head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration.

The restrictions were not introduced recently. Following a meeting of the Mykolaiv Oblast Defense Council, the relevant order changed the curfew hours and set the full-blackout period. The new schedule took effect on September 22, 2026: the curfew and blackout are in force during the same overnight period.

A notice from the Executive Committee of the Pervomaisk City Council about these changes also stated that shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars must close at exactly midnight — one hour before the curfew begins. They must finish serving customers and processing payments, clean up, and close the premises before then. This gives employees and customers time to get home safely before the restrictions take effect.

The district administration is now urging business managers to inform staff about the blackout requirements and ensure they are followed. The administration emphasizes that a full blackout is an important measure for keeping city residents safe during martial law.

Previously, we reported:

• Curfew: nighttime blackout restrictions have been reinstated in Mykolaiv
• “Screaming, singing, swearing, fights!” — residents of Korabelnyi complain about curfew violations
• Three minors found: police in Mykolaiv continue checking compliance with the curfew
• Blackout restrictions introduced in Ochakiv and two communities in Mykolaiv Oblast
• Except in the Snihurivka and Horokhivka communities: curfew hours shortened in Mykolaiv Oblast.