President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov signed the new law on amendments to the laws on protection of public health against hazardous impact of tobacco smoke. The law tightens penalties for smoking in public places, with the exception of special smoking areas designated by local authorities, the press office of the President of Kyrgyzstan reported.
Local authorities should provide designated smoking areas at government organisations and private enterprises that meet sanitary and fire safety requirements.
Along with cigarettes, the law prohibits smoking hookah and e-cigarettes. Violations of the law will be punishable with fines of 3,000 soms, or $33.5 at the current exchange rate.
A fine for incorrect markings of designated smoking areas increased. A fine for individuals increased from 3,000 to 5,000 soms, and that for legal entities — from 13,000 to 50,000 soms. Fines for selling cigarettes to minors increased: individuals face a fine of 10,000 soms instead of 5,500 soms, and legal entities — 35,000 soms instead of 17,000 soms.
