Published
10/01/2025, 15:42The country is considering a bill to introduce licensing for hookah services in public catering establishments. The document was drafted by Zhogorku Kenesh deputies Elvira Surabaldieva and Marlen Mamataliev and submitted for public discussion.
According to the current law ‘On the protection of citizens' health from the effects of tobacco and nicotine use,’ smoking in public places is prohibited. However, there are exceptions: airport and bus station managers can organise special areas for passengers, and employers can do the same for their employees.
Given the continuing demand for hookahs, it is proposed to allow establishments to set up separate rooms for smoking hookahs, subject to obtaining a licence. Violations are punishable by fines of 5,000 KGS for individuals and 50,000 KGS for legal entities.
