The government of Kazakhstan plans to introduce new restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages in order to promote a healthy lifestyle in the country, Kazinform.kz reported.
According to Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov, under the updated draft law, alcoholic products will be allowed to be sold only in stores with a special license. In addition, the online sale of alcoholic beverages is expected to be completely banned.
The ministry also proposes to reduce the number of retail outlets and strengthen licensing requirements in order to tighten control. The goal is to limit the spread of alcohol in the domestic market and reduce its negative social consequences.
During the parliamentary discussion, Sadenov noted that crimes committed in a state of intoxication in entertainment venues have sharply increased. “Only last year, more than 1,400 offenses were recorded in such places, including three murders. This is a serious threat,” the minister said.
In his opinion, introducing time restrictions on alcohol sales will be an important step toward ensuring public safety and protecting citizens’ health.
At the same time, the minister emphasized the shortage of rehabilitation and recovery centers in the country. Currently, only 38 centers are operating, with about 700 available places. To solve this problem, it is planned to open 14 new facilities.
For reference: in recent years, Kazakhstan has gradually tightened its restrictions on alcohol sales. Since 2014, the sale of strong alcoholic beverages has been prohibited from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m., and light alcoholic beverages — from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
If the new law is adopted, the circulation of alcoholic beverages in the country will come under even stricter control, marking a new stage in the development of a healthy lifestyle culture.
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