This initiative is a response to the rising prices in cafes and restaurants, which occurred after the cancellation of the service charge. Kaktus.media has presented expert opinions on this issue.
State Antimonopoly
Jenaly Orozbaev, head of the State Antimonopoly Service, noted that no one influences restaurant prices, as it is a free market.“With the cancellation of Article 141, the collection of service charges, which previously represented a percentage of the bill, is now prohibited. We will monitor how restaurants and cafes manage without this charge. If such percentages are still indicated on the check, establishments will face fines,” he emphasized.
Orozbaev also reminded of the existence of a metrological supervision service within the agency, which will check compliance with standards regarding the weight of dishes based on received complaints.
“For example, if the menu states that a dish contains 50 grams of meat, 300 grams of noodles, and 200 grams of liquid, we will verify this. Such violations have their consequences. We do not want to put entrepreneurs in a difficult position, but order must be established. Our task is to verify the data on the weight of dishes, their cost, and quality to protect consumer interests,” he added.
At the same time, Orozbaev emphasized that there is currently no price regulation in the country.
Customers have a choice: if one establishment does not suit them, they can go to another. The catering market is a competitive environment.He also noted that the rise in dish prices will lead to an increase in tax revenues.
“We can influence the market through other methods, not through prices. Restaurants have started to earn more. But this may lead to a decrease in the number of visitors. Over time, the situation will normalize,” concluded Jenaly Orozbaev.
If we start to monitor the output of finished dishes more strictly, establishments will no longer be able to make 12-13 portions from ten. We have not yet applied fines, but we will soon begin inspections.In addition, the State Antimonopoly Service plans to investigate the catering market for collusion, which is a serious violation. However, as noted in the agency, proving collusion is quite difficult.
Association "Horeca Club"
Gulzat Raimbekova, chairperson of the "Horeca Club" association, which unites representatives of the restaurant and hotel industry in Kyrgyzstan, pointed out that issues of underweight and service charges are different matters.“Our restaurateurs are responsible for what is stated in the menu. This includes the weight of the dish. If the menu states that the weight of the salad is 300 grams, then the customer will receive exactly those 300 grams. Association members always take responsibility for such matters. This is not related to price or service,” Raimbekova emphasized.
Legislation
According to paragraph 42 of the "Rules for the Trade of Certain Types of Goods on the Territory of the Kyrgyz Republic," trading entities set prices independently.As for fines for violating trade rules, they are specified in the Code of Offenses, particularly in Article 286 "Violation of Trade Rules." The fine for individuals is 3,000 soms, and for legal entities, it is 13,000 soms.
There is also Article 390 "Violation of Consumer Rights in the Sale of Goods, Works, and Services."
- Measurement and overcharging lead to fines of 16,500 soms for individuals and 51,000 soms for legal entities.
- Overpricing indicated on packaging or labels is punishable by a fine of 3,000 soms for individuals and 15,000 soms for legal entities.
- Failure to provide consumers with information about prices in the national currency also results in fines of 3,000 and 15,000 soms for individuals and legal entities, respectively.
Who has the right to check?
- The Department of Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision under the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Veterinary Service under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic carry out control to prevent zoonotic diseases.
- The Department and the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of Bishkek check catering establishments for compliance with smoking regulations in public places.
- The Environmental and Technical Supervision Service under the Ministry of Natural Resources also checks waste disposal.
- The Ministry of Construction and the Bishkek City Hall jointly monitor signage on buildings.
- The Ministry of Construction and the Fire Service check compliance with fire safety regulations.
- The Labor Legislation Service, together with the Tax Service, monitors the number of employees and their positions.
- The Labor Legislation Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs check for the presence of foreign workers in catering establishments.
- The Social Fund and the State Tax Service jointly monitor the age of employees.
- The State Agency for Intellectual Property and the National Agency for the State Language monitor the use of the state language in catering.
- The Road Transport Safety Administration and the State Agency for Intellectual Property can impose fines for background music and televisions in hotel rooms.
