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

Brazil’s federal prosecutors sue for strict e-cigarette rules, urging regulation over a “paper ban”
Brazil’s federal prosecutors sue for strict e-cigarette rules, urging regulation over a “paper ban”
Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) has filed a public civil action seeking to compel the federal government and Anvisa to establish a strict, enforceable regulatory framework for electronic smoking devices, replacing the current blanket ban. The lawsuit calls for mandatory product registration, nicotine caps, bans on youth-targeted advertising, and clear health warnings on packaging, and demands a national consumption report and an implementation timetable within 90 days.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | OXVA launches SlimStick X in Europe and the U.S., shifting from pre-filled to open-system refilling
Product | OXVA launches SlimStick X in Europe and the U.S., shifting from pre-filled to open-system refilling
OXVA has recently launched its new e-cigarette, the SlimStick X. Unlike its predecessor, the SlimStick, which used a pre-filled pod system, the SlimStick X adopts an open-system refillable design, featuring a 2ml pod, a 1.0Ω coil, and a 1400mAh battery. The product has entered online retail channels in markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Greece, and Spain, with a price of about $23.99.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Report says illegal vapes “threaten UK high streets” as 55% of councils seized thousands last year
Report says illegal vapes “threaten UK high streets” as 55% of councils seized thousands last year
The latest annual Illegal Vapes and Nicotine Product Report says nearly 5 million illegal vapes have been seized over the last three years—equivalent to three seized every minute—with a street value of £39m (USD equivalent not provided in the source; exchange-rate basis not stated). It says 1.3 million were seized last year and that 55% of UK council areas seized thousands of illegal products over the year.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Iowa urges Eighth Circuit to allow enforcement of challenged e-cigarette directory law
Iowa urges Eighth Circuit to allow enforcement of challenged e-cigarette directory law
At the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, Iowa asked judges to allow enforcement of a challenged 2024 state law that penalizes manufacturers selling e-cigarette products not listed on a state-run directory. Products are listed only when a manufacturer or retailer meets certain premarket requirements established under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia maritime officers seize nearly 16,500 vapes in suspected cross-border smuggling bid
Malaysia maritime officers seize nearly 16,500 vapes in suspected cross-border smuggling bid
According to Malay Mail and Bernama, Malaysia’s maritime enforcement agency intercepted a suspicious lorry at a jetty in Kedah’s Kuala Sanglang and seized nearly 16,500 vape devices worth more than RM500,000 (about US$125,000). Three men were detained for investigation, and the case is being probed under Malaysia’s Customs Act 1967.
Mar.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Scottish retailers call for tougher action as illegal vape black market “deepens,” SGF says
Scottish retailers call for tougher action as illegal vape black market “deepens,” SGF says
Scottish retailers, through the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), are calling for tougher action and more investment to tackle a “deepening black market” in illegal vapes, including illegal sales to children. SGF warns the problem will worsen, with negative health impacts, if incoming regulations on vaping product sales are not carefully crafted and if shopkeepers’ views are not heard.
Jan.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai