It is worth noting that under current laws, smoking tobacco products, including hookahs, in public places is prohibited. However, despite the ban and administrative sanctions, many hookah lounges continue to operate illegally.
In the first nine months of 2024, the total amount of fines for violations in this area reached approximately 5.8 million soms, indicating systematic offenses.
There is a shadow market for hookah services that continues to develop despite the lack of legal regulation, taxation, and sanitation control.The Ministry of Economy notes that the experience of other countries shows:
- A complete ban on hookah services often leads to their move into the shadows;
- A licensing model with clear requirements for establishments and control proves to be more effective;
- Licensing contributes to increased tax revenues, improved sanitary safety, and reduced corruption risks.
In this regard, the proposed changes to the bill include:
- Amendments to the Law "On Protecting the Health of Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic from the Consequences of Tobacco, Nicotine Consumption, and Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Aerosol," allowing hookah smoking only in licensed specialized establishments;
- Inclusion of hookah services in the list of licensed activities;
- Definition of requirements for premises (separate rooms, ventilation systems, sanitary norms);
- Creation of a mandatory registry of hookah establishments.
Thus, the initiators of the bill propose to establish that the use of hookahs (including shisha, narghile, and similar devices) is prohibited except in specially designated premises that comply with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of licensing regulation, with adherence to sanitary norms, ventilation requirements, and restrictions for individuals under 18 years old.
