The Russian State Duma has rejected a proposal to ban smoking at public transport stations and within five meters of them, as well as near shops and other institutions downstairs for multi-family residents. Reasons for the rejection included the lack of data to support the ineffectiveness of existing anti-smoking measures and the fact that local governments already have the power to impose additional smoking restrictions in certain public places.
On Feb 13, the Russian State Duma decided at its plenary session to reject a bill banning smoking near public transport stations and residential entrances.
The bill was proposed by lawmakers from the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, who want to expand the smoking ban to include a ban on smoking at public transport stations and within five meters of them, as well as near shops and other establishments downstairs of multi-family residents.
In its comments, the State Duma’s Committee for Health Protection noted that the bill’s specification lacked data on the ineffectiveness of current anti-smoking measures. In addition, local governments have the power to impose additional smoking restrictions in certain public places, including the use of nicotine-containing products and water pipes.
During the consideration of the bill, the Committee also indicated that administrative penalties for offenders under the proposal might present difficulties, owing to the inability to clearly define the specific boundaries of the no-smoking areas.
