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

China Tobacco Yunnan Patent Describes Cigar Flavor Granules With Encapsulation Rate Above 77%
China Tobacco Yunnan Patent Describes Cigar Flavor Granules With Encapsulation Rate Above 77%
According to public records from China’s National Intellectual Property Administration, a patent application filed by China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co., Ltd. for “cigar flavor granules” was published on May 12, 2026. The filing proposes purifying an ethanol extract of cigar tobacco leaves using LX-8 macroporous resin, followed by encapsulation with maltodextrin and sucrose fatty acid ester to improve smoking comfort, reduce dryness and enhance aroma release stability in reconstituted tobacco.
Jun.10
Why Many E-Liquids Today Are "Not Bad, but Not Memorable" – Mylor’s Approach to Experience Design
Why Many E-Liquids Today Are "Not Bad, but Not Memorable" – Mylor’s Approach to Experience Design
From May 8 to 10, 2026, Mylor (Booth E70) will exhibit at The Vaper Expo UK, where it will showcase its systematic experience design solutions for e-liquids. At present, the e-liquid market commonly faces a challenge: many products have “no obvious shortcomings, but lack memorable features.” In response, Mylor has proposed refined solutions across multiple dimensions, including device-adaptive sweetness, progressive cooling sensation, fruit-oriented sourness, and segmented nicotine experience.
May.08
OLAF and Customs Authorities From 30 Countries Seize More Than 94 Million Illicit Vape and Heated Tobacco Items
OLAF and Customs Authorities From 30 Countries Seize More Than 94 Million Illicit Vape and Heated Tobacco Items
The European Anti-Fraud Office said on April 17 that its “JCO VAPE” operation, carried out together with customs authorities from 30 countries, successfully targeted the illicit trade in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The operation, conducted from November 14 to December 15, 2025, resulted in seizures of more than 94 million items and more than 2,500 kg/l of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, devices, and related goods.
Apr.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France Bans Zyn and Other Nicotine Pouches, Violators Face Jail and Fines
France Bans Zyn and Other Nicotine Pouches, Violators Face Jail and Fines
France has officially banned nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products, including Zyn. The new regulation classifies such products as “toxic substances” and imposes criminal penalties on their use, possession, purchase, and sale. Violators may face up to five years in prison and fines of up to €400,000 (approximately $436,600).
Regulations
May.25
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Opposing Trump Administration’s Flavored Vape Push
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Opposing Trump Administration’s Flavored Vape Push
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned on May 12 after opposing the Trump administration’s push to authorize fruit-flavored vaping products, according to reporting by The New York Times. Makary reportedly objected over concerns that flavored vapes could attract young people and refused to support broader approvals.
News
May.13
Reuters: Big Tobacco Emerges as Winner After FDA Regulatory Shift
Reuters: Big Tobacco Emerges as Winner After FDA Regulatory Shift
According to Reuters, major tobacco companies may emerge as key beneficiaries after the U.S. FDA loosened regulations on vaping and nicotine pouch products, a shift that has sparked debate over public health risks.
Industry Insight
May.26