Tough alcohol restrictions proposed in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz — Mazhilis deputy Magerram Magerramov stated that alcohol remains one of the key causes of crime in the country, and that the state is losing its “most valuable resource” — human potential — every year. In this regard, the parliamentary faction has proposed tightening the rules governing the sale and control of alcoholic products.
Citing data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Magerramov said that a significant share of serious crimes are committed while offenders are under the influence of alcohol.

“Every second murder in the country, every third rape and act of hooliganism are committed in a state of intoxication. Every fourth robbery and traffic accident, as well as more than half of all domestic violence offenses, are committed under the influence of alcohol,” the deputy said during a parliamentary session.

According to him, the media regularly reports cases of public order violations committed by minors who were intoxicated.

“There are too many retail outlets selling alcohol, and it is physically impossible to control them all. Alcohol is the primary cause of many crimes,” he stated.

The deputy stressed that the People’s Party of Kazakhstan believes the approach to crime prevention must be changed.
Magerramov called for restoring a previously existing rule that prohibited alcohol sales within a 100-meter radius of childcare facilities and educational institutions. He also proposed limiting the number of retail outlets allowed to sell alcoholic beverages.
Labeling and strict bans
The deputy paid special attention to controlling alcohol circulation. The party proposed introducing mandatory digital labeling of alcoholic products.

“This would make it possible to more carefully track cases of illegal alcohol sales and become an effective tool for preventing offenses,” Magerramov explained.

In his appeal, the deputy proposed a number of measures for the government to adopt. These include adding alcoholic beverages to the list of goods subject to mandatory digital labeling, defining specific authorized points for alcohol sales, and banning alcohol sales everywhere else.
He also proposed banning retail alcohol sales in stores after 8:00 p.m., in cafes and restaurants after 10:00 p.m., and completely prohibiting the online sale of alcohol.
Previously, the Ministry of Internal Affairs suggested considering selling alcohol only in specialized stores with limited operating hours.
Currently, 429 villages across the country have completely отказались от alcohol. For example, 33 villages in Aktobe Region have stopped selling alcohol, while 18 settlements in Kyzylorda Region have adopted a sober lifestyle.
In 53 villages of Atyrau Region, alcohol sales have also been discontinued. As a result, not a single offense has been recorded there over the past two years. Authorities have now decided to extend this experience across the entire region.