Kyrgyzstan Bans Service Charges in Restaurants, Cafes Starting 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, Kyrgyzstan will implement a nationwide ban on service charges in the catering industry, including cafes, restaurants, and similar establishments.

Akylai Kozhomberdieva, Head of the Antimonopoly Policy Department at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, explained that the new regulation aims to protect consumer rights and promote transparent pricing, The Caspian Post informs via Kyrgyz media.

Under the updated rules, food service providers may set their own operational policies within Kyrgyz law but will no longer be allowed to add extra fees for services such as dish delivery, table setting, or other tasks performed by waitstaff. Instead, all such costs must be included in the prices listed on menus or price lists.

Kozhomberdieva stressed that the total amount customers pay must match the prices displayed before ordering, with no additional “service fees” added afterward. The final bill should only reflect the publicly disclosed prices.

Addressing concerns from some businesses, she acknowledged fears that the ban might lead to higher menu prices but argued that meals are already expensive and that wages and other operational costs should be factored into the base price.

“We’ve heard claims that service charges cover wages, napkins, and toilet paper. But it’s the employer’s responsibility to pay wages-not the consumer’s,” Kozhomberdieva stated.