23 villages in Almaty region have already stopped selling alcohol
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- Twenty-three villages in Kazakhstan's Almaty region have voluntarily stopped selling alcohol, with residents reporting a significant decrease in crime.
- The initiative, started by village elders four years ago and supported by young people, has led to peaceful communities where alcohol and tobacco are not sold in local stores.
- Police have not recorded any offenses in these villages in recent years, attributing the calm atmosphere to the "Alcohol-Free Villages" project.
A growing number of villages in Kazakhstan's Almaty region are voluntarily abstaining from selling alcohol, leading to a notable reduction in crime and a calmer community atmosphere. The initiative, which began four years ago in the village of Bura, has now spread to a total of 23 settlements across the region.
Residents of Bura, a village that has not recorded a single crime in recent years, attribute this success to the absence of alcohol sales. Local stores in these villages now refrain from selling both alcohol and tobacco products. This decision, initially proposed by village elders and embraced by the younger generation, has fostered a more peaceful environment.
Our village is peaceful. Our children are good, and so are the young people. Nothing ever happens here. The stores do not sell alcohol. That is why we live peacefully and everything is quiet.
"Our village is peaceful. Our children are good, and so are the young people. Nothing ever happens here. The stores do not sell alcohol. That is why we live peacefully and everything is quiet," one resident shared, highlighting the positive impact on daily life. The change extends to social events, with even weddings and other celebrations now conducted without alcohol, a practice widely supported by the community.
Local law enforcement acknowledges the effectiveness of the initiative. District police inspector Bekzat Bayytduysen stated, "Not a single crime has been recorded in our village for a long time. Alcohol is not sold here. The residents themselves launched this initiative and maintain order." The regional police department confirms that the number of settlements participating in the "Alcohol-Free Villages" project is increasing annually, underscoring a community-driven effort to promote a healthy lifestyle and maintain order.
Not a single crime has been recorded in our village for a long time. Alcohol is not sold here. The residents themselves launched this initiative and maintain order.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Tengrinews. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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