President Nazarbayev would like to speak with you about your vices

As of October 9 there are some changes here in Kazakhstan. Pretty big ones. Smoking has been banned in public places, and drinking in the streets is also a no-no. I think the drinking thing was against the law before but just wasn’t enforced very strictly.

About the smoking ban: according to an email advisory about the new law we got from Peace Corps today, smoking is prohibited in/inside public places and work places, including: educational institutions, administrative buildings / offices/ work places, medical facilities, museums, public eateries, cinemas, theaters, sport facilities, and other facilities designated for public gatherings, including night clubs, bars, disco clubs, and public transport.  The smoking ban also extends to the entrances/entry halls to the apartment complexes.

In airports and train/bus stations smoking is only allowed in the specially designated places/ smoking rooms.

The punishment for violation of the smoking restriction law is a fine from 10 to 60 monthly indexes. (i.e, in KZT equals from 12,960 to 77,760 KZT)

The law prohibits the selling of cigarettes to the persons under 18.

I’d say that’s quite comprehensive! And it’s already being enforced. A friend of mine told me that in Almaty recently he wasn’t allowed to smoke in a cafe. Not sure if it’s the same all over the country or not, but I’ll definitely be paying attention now. There was a no smoking sign in a local shop that I noticed today. A very new addition (even though no one smoked in there before anyway).

Prior to joining the Peace Corps I worked for the American Cancer Society in Tennessee. When I first started our big legislative push was for a comprehensive smoke-free law in Tennessee. We got close, but didn’t make it all the way. I’m still proud of the accomplishments of that organization and all its dedicated volunteers, but I must say I’m prouder still of this bold new move by my new country. The life expectancy for men here is miserable – 63 – and a lot of that has to do with heavy smoking and drinking.

It’s really cool to think that Kazakhstan has put into effect legislation that is so progressive (though some might call it repressive) in dealing with issues of public health.

Kazakhstan’s an amazing place. It makes me happy to think that these laws will help make the citizens healthier, give them a chance at longer life and as a consequence allow more of them the opportunity to share their culture with others for years to come.

It was a bold move, Mr. President, but this Peace Corps Volunteer thinks it was a darn good one!