Food chains appeal to authorities over mass removal of business signs in Tashkent

The authors of the appeal state that since the beginning of 2026, the removal of business signage in the capital has frequently been carried out without prior written notice. Entrepreneurs claim they are often denied the opportunity to contest the removals or even a reasonable timeframe to dismantle the signs voluntarily. Furthermore, notices provided by officials reportedly fail to specify which legal norms have been violated or which design requirements are being used as a basis for the enforcement.

Business owners argue that these practices contradict established procedural requirements and infringe upon registered trademarks. By forcing changes to brand identities to fit a centralized "design code," officials are allegedly limiting business identification and violating intellectual property rights. Consequently, the food chains are requesting a temporary suspension of dismantling activities and calling for an open dialogue with officials to establish transparent rules.

The financial impact of these measures is already being felt. One entrepreneur, who manages more than ten branches across Tashkent, told Kun.uz that sales have begun to decline following the unannounced removal of their signs. The entrepreneur noted that while some districts provided warnings, others dismantled signs in the early morning hours without any communication. Without visible branding, businesses are struggling to attract new customers, as people find it difficult to locate specific restaurants or shops.

The legal tension stems from Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 428, issued in 2023, which stipulates that informational signs exceeding one square meter are classified as outdoor advertising. Such signs require a dedicated passport and the payment of associated fees. However, entrepreneurs point out that the application of this rule is inconsistent across the city. While signs in districts like Yunusobod and Mirzo Ulugbek are being aggressively dismantled, signage in other areas remains untouched.

The Tashkent City Administration’s press service informed Kun.uz that the Center for Traffic Management has identified 472 kilometers of the city’s busiest roads for aesthetic improvement. In the first stage, signs along a 100-kilometer stretch, primarily in the Yunusobod and Mirzo Ulugbek districts, are being removed. The administration maintains that signs remaining in place were legally registered in advance, and any future changes to those that do not meet the design code will be coordinated with the respective business owners.

Despite supporting the initiative to modernize Tashkent’s appearance, the business community insists that legal clarity and the procedural rights of entrepreneurs must remain a priority. They are calling for an immediate meeting between the business community and city officials to resolve the dispute and protect the country’s investment climate.