Experts Warn of Risks as Kazakhstan Considers Alcohol Sales Restrictions
On October 13, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs shocked citizens by proposing a ban on the sale of alcohol in regular grocery stores, retail chains, and online platforms. The announcement overshadowed global headlines and quickly sparked widespread debate. While the number of alcohol-free settlements in Kazakhstan is rising, overall consumption remains high, prompting concerns among experts about the potential consequences of such a sweeping ban. A Push for Specialized Alcohol Stores The ministry justified the proposed restrictions as a public safety measure. According to Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov, alcohol is a major contributor to crime, with up to 10,000 crimes committed annually under the influence. Violations of age and time restrictions on alcohol sales are reportedly common. “They sell around the clock under the guise of cafes and bars. Online delivery is widely used. The measure of revoking a license is ineffective, it can be obtained the next day by other persons,” said Sadenov. The ministry is advocating for alcohol to be sold only in specialized stores, so-called alcohol markets. It also proposes tightening the licensing process and limiting the number of licenses issued. Additionally, it recommends restricting alcohol sales in entertainment venues, where more than 1,400 alcohol-related crimes, including three murders, have occurred. A New Front in the Fight Against Alcohol Abuse Many Kazakhstani citizens observe that alcohol consumption has declined since Soviet times, a trend attributed to increasing religiosity in the predominantly Muslim country and the popularity of healthy lifestyles. Still, the issue remains pressing. Over the years, Kazakhstan has introduced stricter regulations. In 2014, restrictions were imposed on sales hours. High-alcohol-content beverages were banned in stores from 9 p.m. to 12 p.m., and low-alcohol beverages from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. In 2020, the minimum legal age for purchasing alcohol and tobacco was raised from 18 to 21. As of 2025, 429 villages have officially renounced alcohol. In the Aktobe region, 33 villages adopted alcohol-free policies, while 18 in the Kyzylorda region and 53 in the Atyrau region followed suit. According to officials, no offenses have been recorded in some of these areas over the past two years. Kazakhstan Still Drinks Despite these measures, alcohol consumption remains substantial. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average per capita alcohol consumption in Kazakhstan among those aged 15 and older stood at 5.4 liters of pure ethanol in 2022. The global average that year was 6.2 liters, with consumption in Europe ranging from 9 to 11 liters. In predominantly Muslim countries, the average is below 3 liters. WHO considers levels above 5 liters a significant health risk. A June 2025 survey found the highest consumption in northern regions, Pavlodar, Kostanay, and North Kazakhstan, as well as in Astana and Almaty. In contrast, Shymkent, Atyrau, and Turkestan reported the lowest levels. Interestingly, young adults aged 18 to 24 were found to drink less frequently, a trend attributed to stronger family oversight and cultural values. Economic and Social Risks of a Ban Experts urge caution in pursuing aggressive...
