Kazakhstan Gradually Optimizes Regulation of Hookah Business

The Kazakh government is supporting the transition from strict restrictions on the hookah business to a regulated licensing framework. The Ministry of Finance estimates that this move could bring approximately 50 billion tenge (about 100 million USD) in additional revenue to the budget. Finance Minister Madi Takiyev stated that the current restrictive measures have proven ineffective. He believes that implementing a licensing system for hookah operators will strengthen regulation while bringing the industry into the formal economy. This proposal will allow businesses to continue operating under government supervision and is currently in the legislative review stage.