Senate Discusses Restrictions on Alcohol and Tobacco Products Use

The 27th plenary session of the Senate discussed the "Restriction of the Promotion and Use of Alcohol and Tobacco Products Act.

The law in question includes regulations from the "Restriction on the Distribution and Use of Alcoholic and Tobacco Products Law" as well as the "Restriction on Smoking Water Pipes and E-cigarettes in Public Places Law". It is expected that this decision will render these regulations ineffective. During a plenary session, Senate members passed a resolution rejecting the law due to the need for clarification of its fundamental concepts, conflicting legal rules, and insufficient research on enforcement practices.

Several issues have been raised as the primary reasons for rejection.

Therefore, it stipulates that advertising and promotional activities regarding the risks of alcohol and tobacco consumption should only be carried out among minors, and sales and consumption of these products are prohibited for those under 21 years of age. As a result, those aged 18 and above but under 21 are left in limbo according to this law. In addition, "nasvay", "tobacco liquid", and "nicotine liquid" are also included in the category of non-smoking tobacco products. At the same time, information about "choking hazards" is disclosed in a separate paragraph, but other new types of non-smoking tobacco products - "tobacco liquid" and "nicotine liquid" - are not disclosed, nor is their difference explained.

The law only specifies when advertising for natural Uzbekistani wines and sparkling wines is permitted. However, as of June 7, 2022, according to article 39 of the Advertising Law, beer advertising is also allowed, causing a conflict in regulations. It is emphasized that it is necessary to ensure consistency between the relevant provisions of this law and the Advertising Law.

Considering the significance and relevance of the law, the meeting noted that after addressing these deficiencies in the Legislative Yuan, the law will be reintroduced on the agenda of the next plenary session of the Senate.

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