The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has initiated discussions on a draft law that amends several existing regulations concerning the regulation of hookah bars.
According to the agency's statement, the purpose of this document is to improve the legal regulation of this area, to bring hookah bars out of the shadows, to reduce corruption risks, and to increase budget revenues while ensuring the protection of citizens' health. The draft was developed at the request of the Prime Minister on November 12, 2025.
The proposed changes include:
- creating legal conditions for the legalization of hookah bars;
- introducing licensing for these establishments;
- ensuring compliance with sanitary and fire safety standards;
- reducing the volume of illegal activity.
According to current legislation, smoking tobacco, including hookahs, in public places is prohibited. However, in practice, many hookah bars continue to operate illegally.
According to open sources, there are at least 33 specialized hookah bars in Bishkek, not counting bars, clubs, and cafes.
In the first nine months of 2024, the total amount of administrative fines for violations in this area was approximately 5.8 million soms.
From November 2024 to November 2025, 55 protocols were drawn up under Article 84 of the Code of Offenses:
- 48 of them concerned legal entities and amounted to 2.4 million soms;
- 7 concerned individuals for a total of 35 thousand soms.
The ministry emphasizes that a stable shadow sector of hookah services has formed in the market, which exists due to stable demand but is not subject to legal regulation and taxation.
Global Experience
The explanatory note mentions the experience of other countries.
In Germany, hookah establishments operate under strict compliance with sanitary and fire safety standards.
In the UAE, a licensing model is used with designated smoking zones and regular inspections.
In Kazakhstan, experts believe that a complete ban has led to part of the market going underground.
According to the Ministry of Economy, international experience shows that a licensing model with clear requirements for premises and control is more effective than a complete ban.
Proposals of the Draft Law
The proposed draft law includes:
- allowing hookah smoking only in specialized licensed establishments;
- including hookah services in the list of licensed activities;
- establishing requirements for premises, including the presence of separate halls and ventilation systems;
- creating a mandatory register of hookah establishments.
