Russia Plans to Ban Smoking in Public Areas and Residences

Jul.11.2024
Russia Plans to Ban Smoking in Public Areas and Residences
Russia plans to ban smoking near public transport, shops, and apartment blocks to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke.

According to the report by IZ.RU on July 11th, Russia is planning to ban smoking in public transportation stops, shops, and near residential buildings with multiple apartments. The bill will be submitted to the State Duma on July 11th.


Experts support this initiative and suggest banning smoking in cars as well. However, representatives from smokers' rights protection organizations argue that the law is discriminatory.


According to the Law on Protecting Citizens' Health from the Harmful Effects of Tobacco Smoke and the Consumption of Tobacco or Nicotine Products, smoking is currently prohibited in indoor areas of subway stations, train stations, bus stations, and airports. However, there are currently no such restrictions at outdoor public transportation stops.


The report also points out that the current ban does not apply to stores and entrances to organizations located in multi-unit residential buildings, where smoking is often prevalent. The sponsors of the bill believe this affects the quality of life for neighboring residents on the second or first floor.


We have received numerous complaints about smoking in public transportation stations and near shops. The complaints are primarily from those who do not want to breathe secondhand smoke. Currently, while smoking is prohibited within 15 meters of train stations and their entrances, there are no similar bans near bus stations or shop entrances.


Bus stops are also the same, residents waiting for transportation are forced to inhale secondhand smoke. Therefore, we believe it is necessary to specify smoking areas, allowing smoking only 5 meters away from bus stops and shops, in order to balance the interests of both parties.


Therefore, the bill proposes to expand the areas where smoking or using products containing nicotine is prohibited.


Therefore, it is necessary to set up no-smoking signs at public transportation stations and to install relevant signage at the stations to inform citizens of this prohibition.


The Russian government stated that the bill has not yet been submitted for government review.


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