The anti-smoking law signed on Monday put a ban on smoking in public places such as entrances to metro stations and schools from June 1 this year. Next June, cafes and restaurants in Russia will be non-smoking areas.
The president’s portal says the law was passed in order to implement the provisions of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control ratified by Russia in 2008. Vladimir Putin is actively promoting healthy lifestyle among Russians and has earlier signed into law restrictions on beer drinking in public areas.
A third of Russians are daily smokers. Russia is today the second biggest cigarette market in the world after China.
Smoking will after the new law enters force only be allowed inside special zones in official offices. A full ban includes inside areas like state institutions, hotels, universities and public transport such as trains and long-distance ships.
Also, street kiosks will no longer be allowed to sell tobacco products after June next year. There will be restrictions on advertising and the minimum price for a 20-pack will increase.
