In the first nine months of 2024, administrative fines totaling approximately 5.8 million soms were imposed, indicating systematic violations.
Thus, a shadow market for hookah services has emerged, which successfully operates against the backdrop of stable demand, but outside the legal framework, taxation, and sanitary control.The Ministry of Economy also emphasizes that international experience demonstrates the following trends:
- A complete ban on hookah lounges usually leads to businesses going underground;
- A licensing model with clear requirements for establishments and oversight is more effective;
- Licensing helps increase budget revenues, improve sanitary safety, and reduce corruption risks.
In this context, the following changes to the legislation are proposed:
- Amend the Law "On Protecting the Health of Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic from the Consequences of Tobacco, Nicotine Consumption, and Exposure to Secondhand Tobacco Smoke and Aerosol," allowing hookah smoking only in licensed establishments;
- Include the provision of hookah services in the list of licensed activities;
- Establish specific requirements for premises (separate halls, ventilation systems, sanitary norms);
- Introduce a mandatory registry of hookah establishments.
Thus, the initiators intend to enshrine in law that the use of hookahs, including shisha and narghile, will be prohibited, except in specially designated areas for licensed businesses, subject to sanitary and ventilation standards, as well as a ban on access for individuals under 18 years old.
