In Uzbekistan, it is Forbidden to Sell Tobacco and Alcohol to People Under the Age of 21

In Uzbekistan, the sale of tobacco and alcohol to individuals under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited.  The President has recently signed a law called "Restricting the distribution and consumption of alcohol and tobacco products," which aims to regulate the production, sale and governing bodies involved in these industries.

The law outlines several cases in which the sale (including purchase and other related activities) of alcohol and tobacco products is strictly prohibited.  These cases include:

1.    Selling to or by individuals under the age of 21.
2.    Selling through self-service shelves or online platforms without direct seller involvement.
3.    Mobile sales outside designated sales facilities or in pharmacies.
4.    Selling in areas where children's goods are sold.
5.    Selling products that resemble children's toys, candies, or other items intended for children.
6.    Selling in healthcare, education, culture, sports facilities, sanatoriums, and medical and social institutions.
7.    Operating commercial establishments within 100 meters of educational, sports, and religious organizations.
8.    Selling expired products without relevant documents confirming their quality.
9.    Selling cigarettes and heated tobacco products in bulk or opened (damaged) consumer packaging.
10.    Prohibiting alcohol consumption in workplaces, streets, stadiums, avenues, parks, public transport, and other public spaces.

Furthermore, designated areas for smoking cigars can only be established in separate buildings, structures, or facilities equipped with proper ventilation systems and dedicated to providing cigar-related services.

To raise awareness about the potential health risks associated with alcohol consumption, containers of alcohol products must feature a medical warning in the form of text and/or images covering at least forty percent of the main label surface.

The law will come into effect three months after its official announcement.