The President of Russia has signed the anti-tobacco law

The President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has signed the anti-tobacco law according to which the smoking ban in public places will start to operate since June in Russia.

The federal law «On health protection of citizens from influence of tobacco smoke and consequences of tobacco consumption» was accepted by the State Duma on February 12 this year and approved by the Federation Council on February 20.

The federal law is accepted in order to realise in the Russian legislation the provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control ratified by the Russian Federation in 2008.

The law, in particular, enters a ban on carrying out of lotteries and rendering sponsor's support to mass events by tobacco companies. Cigarettes should disappear from show-windows and counters — instead of them the price-list for tobacco products will be displayed there. Electronic cigarettes and chewing tobacco mixes also come within the purview of the law.

Members of Bashkortostan parliament support the initiative of their federal colleagues.

“The law adoption which is directed on preservation of citizens health is a timely measure,” Rimma Utyasheva, the deputy of the State Assembly - Kurultay RB considers. “But the question arises who will supervise over its execution. A special department and people should control over a status of implementation of the restrictive measures offered in the law. Besides, it is important to consider to what extent citizens are ready to accept new rules. It is necessary to solve all elements connected with the accepted statutory act step by step.”