Bashkortostan to Impose Fines for Public E-Cigarette Use

Sep.09.2024
Bashkortostan to Impose Fines for Public E-Cigarette Use
Bashkortostan to fine public e-cigarette use, expanding ban to include all nicotine products, including hookahs.

Two Breaking News Alerts: According to Bashinform on September 9th, the Russian Republic of Bashkortostan is set to impose fines for using e-cigarettes and other similar products in public places. The relevant amendments are expected to be officially included in the Republic's Administrative Offences Code in September.


The Speaker of the Bashkortostan Council, Konstantin Tolkachyov, emphasized that this measure should be extended to all products containing nicotine, including hookah.


Federal and Republic laws list public places where smoking is prohibited, including schools, hospitals, sanatoriums, trains, planes, parks and squares, public transportation stations, underground and aboveground pedestrian walkways, and public event venues. For smokers, the first offense carries a fine of 500 rubles ($5.50), while repeat offenses result in a fine of 1000 rubles ($11). Considering the increasing popularity of various e-cigarettes and electronic heating devices, we believe that this measure should also cover all products containing nicotine and hookahs.


In addition, the Bashkortostan region has explicitly banned smoking or using nicotine products and hookahs in schools, hospitals, sanatoriums, as well as on trains, ships, airplanes, all types of public transportation, and hotels.


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