Kazakhstan Considers Restricting Alcohol Sales to Specialized Stores

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs recently stirred national debate by suggesting a ban on alcohol sales in common grocery outlets and online platforms. The proposal has raised eyebrows both locally and globally, given the country's high levels of alcohol consumption despite a rise in alcohol-free zones.

Efforts to Curb Alcohol-Related Crime

Minister Yerzhan Sadenov stated that the proposal aims to enhance public safety, attributing about 10,000 crimes annually to alcohol use. The current system allows for round-the-clock sales disguised as café operations, with online deliveries compounding the issue. The ministry suggests that alcohol should only be sold in dedicated outlets, alongside stricter licensing and fewer permits. Entertainment venues are also under scrutiny, with over 1,400 alcohol-related offenses, including several violent crimes, reported.

Historical Context of Alcohol Consumption

Kazakhstan has seen a reduction in alcohol use since the Soviet era, influenced by a shift towards religious practices and healthier living. Still, challenges persist. Regulations tightened in 2014 with sales hour restrictions, and the legal purchasing age for alcohol and tobacco increased to 21 in 2020. Over 400 villages have adopted alcohol-free policies, with some regions reporting no offenses since.

Consumption Patterns Across the Nation

Despite these efforts, alcohol intake remains significant. WHO data shows an average consumption of 5.4 liters of pure ethanol per person over 15, slightly below the global average but above levels in other Muslim-majority countries. Northern regions and major cities like Astana and Almaty exhibit higher consumption rates, while younger adults tend to drink less, credited to family and cultural influences.

Potential Economic and Social Impacts

Experts caution against drastic measures, highlighting past Soviet-era bans that led to black-market growth and organized crime. Analyst Gaziz Abishev argues that small businesses could suffer, leading to increased inflation and potential corruption. Banning alcohol sales in regular stores might prompt illicit practices, with stores selling alcohol "under the counter," risking regulatory bribery.

Industry Concerns Over Proposed Changes

Business leaders voice strong opposition, fearing a rise in illegal trade. Gulnara Zhakupova of KazAlkoTabak warns that neighborhood stores, crucial for local economies, could face closure, resulting in job losses. She notes that over 65,000 stores rely heavily on alcohol sales. The shift could lead consumers to unsafe alternatives, as experienced in other nations where retail sales dominate. The proposed changes might also spark unnecessary social unrest, she warns.