St. Petersburg May Become Russia’s First Region to Ban Vape Sales

Nov.12.2025
St. Petersburg May Become Russia’s First Region to Ban Vape Sales
St. Petersburg may become the first region in Russia to ban the sale of vapes. Senator Andrei Kutepov announced during a session of the Legislative Assembly that he is working to introduce restrictions on vape sales in the city, in line with President Vladimir Putin’s recent statement supporting a nationwide ban.

Key Points

 

  • Senator Kutepov said St. Petersburg could be the first region to ban vape sales.
  • Putin previously expressed support for a complete nationwide vape ban.
  • Local officials said they have struggled to remove vape kiosks in central areas.
  • The initiative aims to protect public health, especially among youth.
  • St. Petersburg could serve as a pilot region for Russia’s broader restrictions.

 


 

2Firsts, Nov. 12, 2025 — According to Spbdnevnik, St. Petersburg may become the first region in Russia to prohibit the sale of vapes, Senator Andrei Kutepov told the city’s Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

 

“I know this problem firsthand and am making every effort to ensure that St. Petersburg becomes the first to restrict the sale of these products,” Kutepov said.

 

He reminded lawmakers that President Vladimir Putin recently voiced his support for a nationwide vape ban.

 

“I think we will soon move toward more radical measures regarding the sale of vapes, as there is still no clear medical evidence about the level of harm they cause to our citizens,” the senator added.

 

Alexander Belsky, chairman of the Legislative Assembly, expressed support for the initiative and noted that city authorities have been trying for two years to remove vape kiosks from central streets.

 

“We’ve been fighting vapes relentlessly. For two years we’ve been asking to remove a vape stall at the corner of Nevsky Prospect and Sadovaya Street, but so far without success. I hope this renewed appeal to the executive authorities will finally fix the situation,” Belsky said.

 

If approved, St. Petersburg could become the first Russian region to implement a local-level vape sales ban, potentially setting a precedent for national policy.

 

Source: Spbdnevnik

 

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