Why the Ministry of Internal Affairs Wants Alcohol Out of Entertainment Venues

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan has officially signaled its strong support for a new wave of proposals aimed at tightening the country’s alcohol regulations. During a recent briefing, Vice Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Lepekha emphasized that the link between alcohol consumption and public safety is undeniable, marking the issue as a top priority for law enforcement. "The Ministry supports this initiative with 'both hands,'" the Vice Minister stated, noting that a vast majority of domestic homicides and a significant portion of general crimes are committed by individuals under the influence of alcohol.

To address these challenges, the Ministry has previously submitted a series of targeted recommendations to the government. These measures include a total ban on the sale of alcohol during nighttime hours, the transition of alcohol retail exclusively to specialized liquor stores, and strict limitations on the operating hours for serving alcohol in entertainment venues and nightclubs. These proposals are designed to reduce accessibility and curb the incidents of alcohol-fueled violence in both public and private settings.

Despite the Ministry's firm stance, these measures currently remain at the proposal stage. Vice Minister Lepekha clarified that while the police department is ready to enforce stricter rules, the final decision rests with the legislative branch. The transition from proposal to official law depends entirely on the Mazhilis of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where deputies will determine the final format and timeline for any new regulations. The Ministry remains optimistic that these changes will provide the necessary legal tools to enhance social stability and decrease the national crime rate.