- Russia’s Ministry of Health has endorsed a proposal to impose a full ban on vaping products and small alcohol outlets (“nalivaykas”), framing it as a significant step to safeguard public health.
- Health officials emphasized that restrictions can effectively reduce population-level exposure to harmful substances, noting that alcohol and tobacco remain leading causes of premature death in Russia.
- Analysts view the ministry’s support as part of a broader government effort to strengthen public health policy and tighten control over both alcohol and nicotine markets.
October 16, 2025 — Russia’s Ministry of Health (Minzdrav) has voiced support for a proposal to fully ban vapes and “nalivayka” alcohol outlets, describing it as an effective measure to protect national health.
Viktor Zykov, Deputy Head of the Central Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatization (TsNIIOIZ), told TASS that “restrictions work effectively at a population level, reducing access to harmful products.” He added that alcohol and tobacco remain major causes of mortality in Russia, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths annually.
The initiative originated from Andrey Turchak, Head of the Altai Republic, who suggested limiting the operations of small alcohol-selling establishments and tightening rules on liquor sales. Meanwhile, experts noted that restricting the circulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems could provide fiscal benefits to the national economy.
Analysts say the Health Ministry’s stance highlights Russia’s ongoing effort to expand public health controls and implement stricter oversight of both alcohol and nicotine markets.
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