Lawmaker: Legalizing hookah could make youth think it's safe

Kyrgyzstan is considering legalizing hookah, a move one lawmaker fears could wrongly signal to young people that the practice is safe. Ulukbek Karybek uulu voiced his concerns during a parliamentary committee meeting discussing a bill to amend laws protecting citizens' health from tobacco and nicotine.

Karybek uulu argued that while the government aims to combat corruption and boost revenue by regulating hookah, it risks overlooking public health. "If they legalize the hookah business and allow free smoking, many people, especially youth, might think that if it's legalized, it's safe and can be consumed further," he stated. He urged the cabinet to prioritize the nation's health over budget replenishment.

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If they legalize the hookah business and allow free smoking, many people, especially youth, might think that if it's legalized, it's safe and can be consumed further.

However, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce Benazir Nurlanova suggested that simple prohibitions have proven ineffective. She explained that efforts are underway to bring the hookah business out of the shadows. "The harm of hookah is well-studied – it negatively affects not only the consumer but also those sitting nearby in cafes who breathe that air," Nurlanova said. "Therefore, we want to regulate the activities of hookah establishments."

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The harm of hookah is well-studied – it negatively affects not only the consumer but also those sitting nearby in cafes who breathe that air. Therefore, we want to regulate the activities of hookah establishments.