Free distribution of food and items at public events was prohibited

In Uzbekistan, the free distribution or extreme discounting of food, goods, and other products for promotional purposes at public events is now prohibited. This regulation is outlined in Cabinet of Ministers Decision No. 360, effective from June 29, 2024, aimed at enhancing citizen safety and public order during such events.

The decision mandates that the National Guard and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, along with other relevant ministries and agencies, will enforce strict compliance by public event organizers and administrators with the new regulations. They are required to update their departmental legal documents accordingly within one month. The Minister of Internal Affairs and the Commander of the National Guard are tasked with ensuring the decision's implementation.

Organizers and facility administrators who breach these public event regulations will face consequences as outlined in the Code of Administrative Responsibility.

To recall, on June 1, International Children's Day, the "Ashkhobod" amusement park in Tashkent planned to distribute 20,000 toys and ice creams for free, as advertised on social media. However, the park's management was warned against this due to the expected crowd of around 40,000 people, which would compromise traffic and safety standards. Consequently, the park's director A.N., deputy director A.Z., and head of the advertising department D.T. were issued an administrative report and sentenced to 15 days of administrative detention by the Yashnabad district criminal court.