Raimbekova noted that the Bishkek city administration has made some concessions based on an oral directive from the president, allowing a-la-carte establishments (small cafes and restaurants) to operate after the specified time.
She emphasized that members of the "Horeca" association adhere to all legislative norms, including the Law "On Silence" and sanitary requirements, according to the KR government resolution No. 201 dated April 11, 2016, which permits a maximum noise level of 70 decibels. Despite this, even establishments that comply with these conditions are forced to turn off their signs and operate at low lighting levels.
Nevertheless, banquet halls continue to close after 10:00 PM, even if there is no noise and external signs are turned off. Guests do not have enough time to leave the establishment before the specified time. "We requested permission for banquet halls to operate without music and dancing, just to remain inside, but even that is prohibited. Guests are not allowed to finish their events and serve the main course," Raimbekova reported.
At the same time, the legal grounds for this prohibition by the city administration remain unclear. Business owners cannot find documents confirming the necessity to cease operations.
"We do not understand what document the authorities are referring to. When the shutdowns of establishments began last week, everything was based on an oral directive. Currently, even outdoor lighting is turned off, although it is not required when guests are already inside the hall. There is also no noise, but it is still prohibited to remain in banquet halls after 10:00 PM," she added.
Restaurateurs emphasize that all establishments are trying to use energy-saving technologies to conserve electricity: they are installing energy-saving lamps and A++ class ovens that reduce electricity consumption.
It is unprofitable for businesses to overpay for electricity, as we all pay commercial rates."The measures taken, in our opinion, do not solve the problem of electricity conservation. The market is currently experiencing serious turmoil due to the current situation. We have entered the event season, corporate parties and New Year celebrations will soon begin. It seems that the holidays may be at risk," concluded Raimbekova.
Since mid-October, measures for electricity conservation have been introduced in Kyrgyzstan. Power limits for residential users with smart meters have been reduced. All commercial establishments are prohibited from turning on outdoor lighting. The Cabinet of Ministers has banned the use of lighting in state and administrative buildings after 6:00 PM, including public schools.
On November 13, the head of the GKNB, Kamchybek Tashiev, issued an oral directive to local authorities and law enforcement agencies to impose restrictions on establishments. He noted that establishments conducting events after 10:00 PM should be disconnected from the power supply. On the same day, the Bishkek city administration announced that all energy-consuming electrical equipment, including electric stoves and heaters, must be turned off after 10:00 PM.
President Sadyr Japarov remarked to city leaders about the overly strict approach and demanded to avoid extremes. Bishkek Mayor Aibek Junushaliev stated that the introduced restrictions have managed to reduce electricity consumption. However, it remains unclear on what grounds the ban on the operation of banquet halls after 10:00 PM was imposed.
