New Law on Nicotine Products and Smoking Restrictions in Donetsk

Oct.14.2024
New Law on Nicotine Products and Smoking Restrictions in Donetsk
Donetsk People's Republic imposes new restrictions on e-cigarettes and smoking in public places, effective from October 9, 2024.

According to the official website of the Donetsk People's Republic, the country has issued a decree called "On Additional Restrictions on the Use of Nicotine e-cigarettes and Smoking in Certain Public Places and Premises within the Territory of the Donetsk People's Republic." The law was officially passed by the People's Council on September 27, 2024, and signed by the head of the Donetsk People's Republic, Denis Pushilin. It will officially take effect on October 9, 2024.


The regulation stipulates that the use of nicotine products and waterpipes is prohibited in certain public places and buildings. These places include outdoor areas within 15 meters of the entrance to government offices and local administrative offices, as well as near the entrances of places offering daily living services and commercial services, such as markets, hotels, social service agencies, and public transport platforms. Additionally, entrance areas and adjacent areas of residential building corridors, non-residential building courtyards, underground and aboveground parking lots, parks, squares, and other recreational areas are also included in the ban.


Individuals who violate this law will be subject to administrative penalties stipulated in the Donetsk People's Republic Law on Administrative Violations No. 91-RZ, which was passed on July 12, 2024.


The Donetsk People's Republic was established as a limited recognized state on Ukrainian territory by pro-Russian quasi-militants with support from Russia at the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis. Pro-Russian armed groups in Donetsk Oblast occupied the regional administration building on April 7, 2014, and declared the republic, which has only been formally recognized by the Russian Federation, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of South Ossetia, and the Luhansk People's Republic in terms of diplomacy. The United Nations and the international community recognize it as part of Ukraine based on UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262.


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