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

Mexico moves to advance reforms regulating e-cigarettes and vapes
Mexico moves to advance reforms regulating e-cigarettes and vapes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies Health Committee is expected to vote next week on reforms to the General Health Law that would regulate the prohibition, distribution, and sale of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and certain toxic substances, including fentanyl. Lawmakers from Morena insist the legislation must avoid loopholes and resist pressure from the tobacco industry.
Nov.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Washington Policy Media Flags Surge: China’s Monthly Vape Exports Jump from 2.2M Kg to 14.8M Kg; Crackdown Effectiveness Questioned
Washington Policy Media Flags Surge: China’s Monthly Vape Exports Jump from 2.2M Kg to 14.8M Kg; Crackdown Effectiveness Questioned
The Washington Examiner on December 9, 2025, reported: China's vape export volume to the U.S. rebounded sharply from 2.2 million kilograms to 14.8 million kilograms despite the crackdown. This volatility, confirming the annual multi-billion dollar trade gap, is the "Bullwhip Effect" in action. It transfers massive inventory to the U.S. market, putting the working capital of Chinese manufacturers and the supply chain at severe risk of lock-up and failure. Regulatory escalation is now imminent.
News
Dec.11
Two Taunton Shops Closed After Seizure of Illegal Tobacco and Vapes
Two Taunton Shops Closed After Seizure of Illegal Tobacco and Vapes
Two shops in Taunton have been ordered to close for three months after authorities found illegal tobacco and vape products worth around £50,000. The seizures followed joint operations involving Trading Standards officers, police and tobacco detection dogs. Magistrates ruled that closing the premises was necessary to prevent further criminal activity.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Heno Biotech Invited to Speak at PouchEX 2025 in Stockholm, Introduces Supply Chain Competency Model for the Nicotine Pouch Industry
Heno Biotech Invited to Speak at PouchEX 2025 in Stockholm, Introduces Supply Chain Competency Model for the Nicotine Pouch Industry
Heno Biotech was invited to deliver a keynote address at PouchEX Stockholm 2025, presenting a new supply chain competency model for the nicotine pouch sector. The company showcased its end-to-end capabilities—from scientific research and advanced manufacturing to global regulatory compliance—underscoring the critical role of supply chain upgrading in driving sustainable industry growth.
Nov.24
German Environment Minister Backs Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes, Citing Safety Risks
German Environment Minister Backs Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes, Citing Safety Risks
Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has expressed clear support for banning disposable e-cigarettes, citing safety hazards, environmental damage, and waste management risks. While the ban has not yet been finalized, Germany’s parliament has instructed the government to examine the proposal. Several European countries, including Belgium, France, and the UK, have already implemented similar bans.
Dec.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BREAKING: China Brings Nicotine Pouches Under Tobacco Monopoly Regulation, Signaling Major Shift for Oral Products
BREAKING: China Brings Nicotine Pouches Under Tobacco Monopoly Regulation, Signaling Major Shift for Oral Products
China has for the first time issued clear regulatory rules for nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products, formally classifying them under the tobacco monopoly alongside cigarettes and tobacco, ending a long-standing legal grey zone and laying the regulatory groundwork for their potential domestic launch.
Jan.09 by Alan Zhao | 2Firsts Perspectives