Vapes out, hookahs in? Kazakh police draw line on smoking

Kazakhstan may ease ban on hookahs / Photo: Unsplash.com; photo editor: Adelina Mamedova

Kazakhstan may ease the ban on hookahs, according to Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov.

Adilov confirmed that the issue is under review and said a final decision will be made after the assessment is complete. Public hearings will likely be held.

He said officials are considering several points, including:

Permission to import hookah equipment. Allowing hookah use in entertainment venues. Defining a list of permitted substances and conditions for use.

However, there will be no easing of restrictions on vapes.

Adilov stressed that the current ban on vapes remains in place and that additional measures have been introduced to strengthen criminal penalties for their sale and transport.

«On vaping, our position is clear: increased responsibility and zero tolerance,» he said.