Experts Warn of Risks as Kazakhstan Considers Alcohol Sales Restrictions

Many Kazakhstani citizens observe that alcohol consumption has declined since Soviet times

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 restrictions. Kazakhstan’s experience with Soviet-era prohibition offers a cautionary tale. While crime and mortality declined, organized crime flourished, and black-market alcohol production surged.

Political analyst Gaziz ABISHEV criticized the proposed ban as an attempt to shift responsibility onto small and medium-sized businesses. “Let those who pay taxes to keep the police running pay twice as much through the weakening of their businesses,” he said. According to Abishev, the move could worsen inflation. “Stores make a good profit on alcohol, which accounts for a significant portion of their revenue. If alcohol sales are banned, they will either have to close or increase the markup on other goods,” he warned. Consumers would face higher food prices.

Abishev also highlighted the risk of corruption. “Store owners will sell alcohol ‘under the counter’ to survive, while regulators may benefit from bribes,” he stated. He added that specialized alcohol shops will inevitably appear in every neighborhood, concentrating profits in fewer hands while harming local retailers.

Business Leaders Voice Opposition

Industry representatives echo these concerns. Gulnara ZHAKUPOVA, head of the KazAlkoTabak Association, warned that limiting alcohol sales would drive illegal trade and monopolize the market. “There are more than 65,000 neighborhood stores in the country, and alcohol sales are a significant part of their revenue,” she noted. She warned that closures and job losses are likely outcomes.

Restricting legal alcohol outlets could create shortages and push consumers toward illegal sources, including counterfeit and unsafe products. “In developed countries, up to 80% of alcohol is consumed in restaurants and bars. In Kazakhstan, more than 80% is bought in retail stores. This discrepancy must be considered,” said Zhakupova. She stressed that the proposed restrictions could introduce unjustified social tension.

By the Times Of Central Asia.

Image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland.

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