According to a report from 24.kg news agency on December 26th, the Social Policy Committee of the parliament in Kyrgyzstan unanimously approved a bill that prohibits the use of e-cigarettes and e-liquids within the country.
After the implementation of this ban, the use of e-cigarettes and e-liquids within the territory of Kyrgyzstan will be considered a violation of the law. This move reflects the lawmakers’ concern for the well-being of the residents, but it has also sparked a debate about the potential negative impacts of this policy.
According to local experts, firstly, smokers have no choice but to revert to smoking combustible cigarettes, which would nullify all efforts to reduce the harm caused by smoking. Secondly, the ban would not only worsen public health conditions but also have a negative impact on the economy. To be specific, this rash move would result in the circulation of smuggled and potentially counterfeit products.
