New law regulating advertising in Kazakhstan

On Monday Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev's press service reported Mr. Nazarbaev signed law which prohibits advertising alcoholic products in the republic beginning January 1, 2004.

Mr. Nazarbaev also signed the law "About the Introduction of Changes and Additions into the Law about the Media". Both documents regulate the production and arrangement of advertisements.

According to new law, radio and television advertisements in Kazakhstan cannot occupy more than 15% of a broadcast. By the electronic MEDIA it is forbidden for advertising to interrupt official statements and appearances of presidential candidates and deputies of representative organs. Furthermore, advertising cannot interrupt educational, religious and children's transfers with exception of when advertised goods and services are for children. According to new law, the advertisement of tobacco in Kazakhstan will be permitted only in the printed publications, but not on the first or last page.