Interior Ministry clarifies reports about fines for smoking in front of children

Tengrinews.kz — Reports have been circulating on social media claiming that Kazakhstan has introduced fines for parents who smoke or drink alcohol in the presence of their children. These claims were commented on by Igor Lepekha, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs.

Social media posts alleged that parents are required to promote a healthy lifestyle among their children and that smoking or drinking alcohol in front of minors could lead to penalties, including fines and even arrest. Some posts claimed that fines could reach up to 865,000 tenge.

What the Interior Ministry says

Deputy Minister Igor Lepekha stated that this information is false and that no such fines have been introduced in Kazakhstan.

“There is no such thing. This is fake information. At this point, nothing has changed in this regard. There is criminal and administrative liability for failure to fulfill parental responsibilities, but there is no liability for a father smoking in front of a child,” he said in the Senate lobby.

According to the deputy minister, this issue is more about morality and social values than legal responsibility.

“Everyone decides for themselves whether they want their child to smoke or not. I believe that a normal parent should not set a negative example for their children,” Igor Lepekha concluded.