According to the department, in the first nine months of 2024, the total amount of fines for violations in this area amounted to about 5.8 million soms, indicating the scale of the problem.
A shadow market for hookah services has formed, actively functioning under stable demand, but outside the legal framework, taxation, and sanitary control.The Ministry of Economy also points to international experience, which shows:
- A complete ban on hookah services leads to their transition to the shadow sector;
- A licensing model with clear requirements for establishments proves to be more effective;
- Licensing contributes to increased budget revenues, improved sanitary safety, and reduced levels of corruption.
In this regard, the draft law proposes:
- To amend the Law "On Protecting the Health of Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic from the Consequences of Tobacco, Nicotine Consumption, and Exposure to Secondhand Tobacco Smoke and Aerosol," allowing hookah smoking only in licensed establishments;
- To include hookah services in the list of licensed activities;
- To establish requirements for premises (separate halls, ventilation systems, and sanitary standards);
- To introduce a register of licensed hookah lounges.
Thus, it is proposed to clarify that the use of hookahs, including shisha and narghile, will be permitted only in specially designated premises that comply with the legislation of Kyrgyzstan, with adherence to all necessary requirements, including age restrictions for visitors.
