Astana coffee shop promotion draws huge crowds, organizer fined

A promotional event for a coffee shop in Astana drew massive crowds of women eager to receive a free mini lip gloss with their purchase. The promotion, which promised a gift to every customer buying a special beverage, resulted in dozens of photos and videos circulating on social media, showing hundreds of people waiting in long lines.

Videos later emerged showing police officers at the scene speaking with customers. The Astana Police Department confirmed an investigation into the crowd gathering on Turkestan Street. While the police determined that the queue was a result of the business owners' promotion and that no public order violations occurred, enforcement action was taken against the organizer.

The organizer was cited for violating regulations governing the organization and conduct of mass events. The police reminded the public that such events require prior approval from the Akimat, the city administration.