State Duma passes bill on tougher smoking fines

After second and third readings, Russia’s State Duma passed a bill that will stiffen the penalties for selling tobacco to minors, advertising cigarettes, and smoking in public places — including on playgrounds. In addition, the parliamentary deputies banned the advertisement of tobacco and smoking accessories.

Under new amendments to Russia’s basic anti-smoking law, which came into force June 1 of this year, smoking in places where it is prohibited by law will be punishable by fines of 1,000–1,500 rubles ($30–47). The fine for smoking on a playground will be 2,000–3,000 rubles ($62–95).

Full story: Smoking ban

In addition, the bill stiffens the penalties for selling tobacco to minors. For illegal sales, individuals will be required to pay a fine of 3,000–5,000 rubles ($95–155), officials will be fined 30,000–50,000 rubles ($930–1,550), and legal entities will be fined 100,000–150,000 rubles ($3,100–4,650).

New regulations for advertising will also come into effect. Advertising tobacco, tobacco products and smoking accessories will be illegal. This amendment to the law is set to come into effect in one month, on Nov. 15.

The bill now needs to be passed by both the Federation Council (Russia’s upper house of parliament) and the president of the country to be made into law.

Since June 1, Russia has had restrictions on smoking tobacco. Cigarette smoking is now illegal at train stations, airports, stadiums, schools, hospitals, government institutions, beaches and places of employment.

First published in Russian in Kommersant.

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