The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has presented a draft law for public discussion, proposing amendments to several existing legislative acts concerning the regulation of hookah establishments.
According to reports, the aim of this document is to improve the legal framework in this area, legalize hookah bars, reduce corruption, and create additional revenue for the budget, while also caring for the health of citizens. This project was developed in accordance with the instruction of the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers dated November 12, 2025.
The main provisions of the draft law include:
- creating conditions for the legalization of hookah bars;
- introducing licensing for their operation;
- mandatory compliance with sanitary and fire safety standards;
- reducing the scale of illegal activities.
Under current regulations, smoking tobacco products, including hookahs, is prohibited in public places. However, many hookah bars continue to operate in the shadows.
According to open data, there are at least 33 specialized hookah bars operating in Bishkek, in addition to bars and cafes.
Since the beginning of 2024, the total amount of fines for violations in this area has reached about 5.8 million soms.
From November 2024 to November 2025, 55 protocols were drawn up under Article 84 of the Code of Offenses:
- 48 protocols against legal entities amounting to 2.4 million soms;
- 7 protocols against individuals amounting to 35 thousand soms.
The ministry emphasizes that a stable shadow sector of hookah services has already formed in the market, operating under stable demand but outside the legal framework and taxation.
Global Experience
The explanatory note also highlights examples from other countries.
In Germany, smoking hookahs is allowed only in specialized establishments with strict sanitary and fire safety requirements.
In the UAE, licensing is implemented with designated smoking areas and regular inspections.
In Kazakhstan, experts believe that a complete ban has pushed part of the market into the shadows.
According to the Ministry of Economy, international experience shows that a licensing model with clear requirements for premises and control is more effective than a complete ban.
Main Provisions of the Draft Law
The document proposes:
- to allow hookah smoking only in licensed specialized establishments;
- to include hookah services in the list of licensed activities;
- to establish requirements for premises, including separate rooms and ventilation systems;
- to create a mandatory registry of hookah establishments.
