"Not the Basic Minimum!" In the residential complex, it was proposed to annul the regulation on service in cafes » Gazeta.kg

At the meeting of the committee on finance, budget, entrepreneurship, and competition development, Bekeshev stated the need to reconsider the government's decision to include service charges in the cost of dishes. He noted that while the cabinet of ministers aims to provide consumers with clarity on pricing issues, it is essential to consider that the antimonopoly service should focus on basic needs.

In the deputy's opinion, dining in cafes and restaurants should not be regulated in this way. "Food in kindergartens and educational institutions where socially vulnerable groups are present is what matters. This segment should be addressed, rather than interfering in the public catering sector where customers can choose what and where to eat," he added.

"Why regulate cafes and restaurants? People can take food to go, and there are always many visitors in coffee shops, and they are satisfied. If there were student cafeterias, it would help solve many problems. I don't see retirees demanding a 15% reduction in prices — most of them simply do not go to such establishments," Bekeshev emphasized.

The deputy also expressed the opinion that it would be better to require food establishments to indicate prices with the added service charge, leaving it up to customers to decide whether to order that dish. "If someone wants, let them buy coffee for 1,000 soms. But it is not worth interfering in this sector; it only exacerbates the situation," he concluded and suggested that the committee recommend canceling the government's resolution.