Russian Smoking Ban Comes Into Force - June 01,2013

A law banning smoking in some public places and restricting tobacco advertising is due to come into effect in Russia on Saturday June 01,2013

Smoking will be banned at workplaces, housing block stairwells, buses and commuter trains and within 15m of train stations and airports

The legislation also imposes a total ban on tobacco advertising. Tobacco companies will be barred from holding promotional prize draws and sponsoring public events and competitions.The bill also prohibits display of tobacco products in shops.


In 2014, the ban will be extended to restaurants, bars, ships and trains.From 1 June 2014, all cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, shops, markets, shopping centres and long-distance journeys on ships and trains will become smoke free.

Russia has one of the highest smoking rates in the world with around 40% of its population smokers

Note
The anti-smoking legislation was signed by President Vladimir Putin on Feb 25,2013 as part of his plan to improve public health, raise life expectancy and promote economic growth.
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said almost 400,000 Russians died from smoking-related diseases in 2012