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Tengrinews.kz - The Ministry of Healthcare discussed whether a complete ban on the sale and smoking of hookahs could be introduced in Kazakhstan.
In response to an official inquiry from the editorial team of Tengrinews.kz, the Ministry of Healthcare stated that a ban on the sale of hookahs in public places is currently under discussion.
"Due to the widespread use of hookahs, there is a need to strengthen regulations. The issue of strengthening regulation of tobacco for hookahs, hookah mixtures (both in terms of sales and consumption), as well as preventive measures to reduce their use, is under discussion," the ministry's response stated.
In Kazakhstan, smoking hookahs in public places is prohibited by law. However, their sale is not yet banned. This means that establishments can sell hookahs, though they can only be smoked in private residences.
In Kazakhstan, smoking hookahs in public places is prohibited by law. However, their sale is not yet banned. This means that establishments can sell hookahs, though they can only be smoked in private residences.
"According to current legislation, a regulatory impact assessment (RIA) must be conducted. The draft of the introduced regulation, the identification of the regulatory government body, and the need to change the penalty amounts will be considered as part of RIA. After RIA is developed, public hearings will be held with representatives of the business community," added the Ministry of Healthcare.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Healthcare had already stated in the spring that it was discussing a complete ban on hookahs in Kazakhstan. Ministry representatives believe that Kazakh citizens do not comply with the hookah-smoking ban due to insufficiently high fines.
