Russia Tightens Smoking Restrictions in Public Places

In Russia, a ban against smoking cigarettes in bars and restaurants officially comes into force on June 1.

According to the second part of a law adopted last year, the ban applies to smoking in cafes, restaurants, hotels and dormitories, long-haul trains and on the platforms of local railway stations.

The new rules ban retail sales of tobacco products at railway stations, airports and sea ports, according to ITAR-TASS.

The new provisions also ban putting cigarettes on display in shops or selling them in kiosks.

The new regulations expand a ban imposed in the summer of 2013 against smoking in government buildings and against advertising by tobacco companies.

A violation of the ban will result in serious fines of RUB 500 – 1500 for the smoker and of 30 000 – 40 000 for the owner of a site. A chain-run corporate business will be fined RUB 60 000 – 90 000 for the same breach.

According to statistics, 44 million Russians are smokers, or about a third of the population.

The law aims to reduce the number of smokers and the rate of smoking-related deaths.

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