Government Crackdown on Violating Smoking and E-cigarette Bans in Kazakhstan

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jun.28.2024
Government Crackdown on Violating Smoking and E-cigarette Bans in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Senate President calls for surprise inspections on venues violating hookah and e-cigarette bans, citing law enforcement concerns.

According to KZ.Kursiv, on June 27, the Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan, Maulen Ashimbayev, requested the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the government, and local governments to conduct surprise inspections on entertainment venues that violate the ban on water pipes and e-cigarettes.


He stated in parliament that many customers of cafes, bars, and restaurants are flagrantly violating these bans without any restraint, and this behavior is "undermining the rule of law".


Ashimbaev pointed out during the plenary session of the Senate that...


As is well known, in many places, customers can freely smoke hookah. E-cigarettes are also prohibited by law, but in reality they are easily available and many people are using and selling these products. Therefore, whether the government is effectively enforcing the relevant laws is a major issue.


He also mentioned that the Department of Health proposed banning the sale of energy drinks to young people under 21, but he is concerned that this ban could also face similar enforcement challenges.


Akhimbayev emphasized that the failure to enforce the law is "undermining" the structure of the rule of law, therefore he called for surprise inspections of places violating current bans.


Government representatives are present... please conduct inspections with local enforcement agencies. Senior officials from the Ministry of Interior are also here. Inspections are being carried out in cafes and restaurants in Astana during evening hours. There is also a lot of evidence and photos on social media, so there is no need to personally visit to see these issues.


In mid-March, Gulnar Sarsenbaeva, a representative of the Kazakhstan Ministry of Health, pointed out that many restaurant and bar owners have been widely ignoring the current smoking ban. As a result, the country plans to increase penalties for smoking hookah in restaurants and bars. The Ministry of Health not only intends to raise fines for consumers but also introduce new penalties for establishments in violation of the ban.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Morocco Lawmakers Propose Excise Taxes on Vapes, Hookah, and Nicotine Alternatives
Morocco Lawmakers Propose Excise Taxes on Vapes, Hookah, and Nicotine Alternatives
Members of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) have submitted amendments to Article 7 of the Finance Bill, introducing new excise taxes on e-cigarette liquids, hookah accessories, and non-tobacco nicotine products. The proposal also revises VAT exemptions and insurance tax rates to enhance fiscal fairness and revenue clarity.
Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G Unveils lil hybrid 3.0 Misty Rose Limited Edition, Limited to 20,000 Devices
KT&G Unveils lil hybrid 3.0 Misty Rose Limited Edition, Limited to 20,000 Devices
KT&G has launched the limited-edition “lil hybrid 3.0 Misty Rose Edition” heated tobacco device in South Korea, betting on year-end consumer demand with a gradient rose-colored design. The release is capped at 20,000 units and is available through both online and offline channels, with an official retail price of 78,000 won (approximately USD 53).
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Smoore International Donates $5 Million Hong Kong Dollars to Big Fire Disaster Area for Medical Aid and Relief
Smoore International Donates $5 Million Hong Kong Dollars to Big Fire Disaster Area for Medical Aid and Relief
Smoore International donates HK$5 million to aid Big Bay fire victims, marking its first charity donation in 2025.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Chicago CBP Seizes $358,000 Worth of Illegal Vapes
U.S. Chicago CBP Seizes $358,000 Worth of Illegal Vapes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago seized 43,200 illicit vaping products valued at over $358,000 for violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The shipment originated from China and was destined for Mississippi.
Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australian Federal Police Dismantles WA Illegal Tobacco Network Linked to National Syndicate
Australian Federal Police Dismantles WA Illegal Tobacco Network Linked to National Syndicate
Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Western Australia Police seized more than five tonnes of illicit tobacco products in Perth, including over four million cigarettes, about 50,000 vapes, and nearly 900 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco. Authorities allege the operation, linked to a national organised crime syndicate, aimed to evade around $8 million in Commonwealth excise and taxes.
Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kentucky to Require Tobacco and Vape Retailers to Be Licensed Starting January 2026
Kentucky to Require Tobacco and Vape Retailers to Be Licensed Starting January 2026
The Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet has reminded all businesses selling tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products that they must be licensed by the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) by January 1, 2026. The requirement stems from Senate Bill 100, signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 24, 2025, aimed at strengthening youth protection and enforcing compliance against unlicensed sales.
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai