Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce Benazir Nurlanova reported on a recent meeting with the HoReCa association, emphasizing that establishment owners will provide discounts of up to 10% on delivery and takeout.
Deputy Janibek Abirov raised a question about the advisability of abolishing the service charge, noting that this has not led to a decrease in prices, but rather an increase of 20-22% instead of the expected 10-15%.
Director of the Antimonopoly Regulation Service Jenaly Orozbaev added that some establishments have raised prices by 23%, while in some places the cost of dishes has only increased by 4%.
Deputy Abirov urged the Ministry of Economy to acknowledge its mistake, pointing out that consumers managed well with payments when the service charge was in place, and are now expressing dissatisfaction with the price increases. He also inquired with the deputy minister whether there are plans to reinstate the service charge.
In response, Benazir Nurlanova noted that this issue is currently not being considered by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
As of January 1, 2026, the 15% charge on the cost of dishes in cafes and restaurants has been abolished. This decision was made at the request of the presidential administration in response to numerous consumer complaints.
