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Can I smoke in public?

Smoking in public places is an increasingly contentious issue, with both legal and social implications. This article explains the different laws and regulations that govern public smoking in the US and around the world. It also highlights the potential health risks associated with smoking in public, as well as the debate regarding the perception of smoking as an individual right versus a public nuisance. Finally, practical tips for smokers in a public setting are provided.

The content of the article



A smoking person harms not only himself, but also those around him. They inhale toxic substances that destroy the lungs, bronchi, and cardiovascular system. Even an open window with a hood does not save. Toxins infiltrate surrounding objects and continue to poison people. Passive smoking is especially dangerous for children, elderly, pregnant, nursing mothers..

What the smoking ban law says

In 2013, Federal Law FZ-15 “On the Protection of Citizens’ Health from the Effects of Tobacco Smoke and the Consequences of Tobacco Use” was issued. Its task is to protect people from secondhand smoke, to prevent the growth of morbidity, disability, premature death.

Tobacco

No smoking in public places

Tobacco Act:

  • It aims to combat tobacco and its promotion. To this end, smoking is prohibited in public places..
  • Sets prices and taxes whose task is to reduce the demand for cigarettes.
  • Regulates the composition of tobacco products, obliges to indicate it on the package.
  • Prohibits smoking ads.
  • Restricts cigarette trade.
  • Does not allow the sale and use of tobacco to children and adolescents.

Electronic cigarettes

At the federal level, it is not forbidden to smoke electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating systems such as IQOS and GLO in public places. Some deputies propose introducing this clause in FZ-15, others suggest drafting a separate law, where there will be more lenient restrictions than for tobacco. It is known about the government’s plans to ban the use of vapes in crowded places.

The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation insists on equating electronic cigarettes with ordinary cigarettes, since they are no less dangerous to health than tobacco products. Substances inhaled by the smoker and the people around him can cause allergies, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Increasingly, there is information about the death of electronic cigarette lovers.

Hookah

According to the law FZ-15, smoking hookahs is prohibited in public places. Nevertheless, the owners of some establishments found a loophole in the laws, and began to offer nargil without tobacco. Checking what’s really inside is not easy.

Now the adoption of a law that takes into account 2 points is relevant:

  1. Would provide an opportunity to legally smoke a hookah, even with nicotine, in special institutions.
  2. Would protect a non-smoker from the toxic effects of smoking mixtures.

Where not to smoke

No smoking areas

The law prohibits smoking in public places that meet these requirements:

  • not related to private property;
  • Designed for service, recreation, public events;
  • outsiders can be there permanently (library, school, public institution) or days (street, station).

Territories where you can not smoke should be equipped with warnings – special signs (FZ-15, Article 12. Clause 5). According to the article, these places include:

  • Educational, educational institutions and the adjacent land – schools, colleges.
  • Playgrounds, beaches.
  • Cultural and sports facilities – theater, stadium, circus.
  • Medical facilities (hospitals, clinics, motels).
  • Public transport – commuter and long distance. The restriction applies to train platforms, bus stops.
  • Hostels, hotels.
  • Markets, shops, bars, restaurants, cafes.
  • Buildings where public services are located – social protection bodies, executive and legislative authorities, etc..
  • Workplace.
  • Elevators, corridors of multi-storey buildings.
  • Gas station.

Where permitted

Smoking areas

  • On the street, except for the territories indicated above.
  • At a distance of 15 meters from metro stations, bus stops, train stations, airports, public institutions.
  • In designated areas for smoking at work, in cafes, trains, etc. This may be an outdoor area or a room with good ventilation.

Requirements for the organization of specially equipped places

A smoking room on the street should be equipped with a “Smoking Area” sign. Be sure to install ashtrays. There should be no flammable objects in the area. If a smoking room will be used in the dark, it is necessary to take care of artificial lighting.

Requirements for isolated rooms where smoking is allowed:

  • The room must have ventilation type. She takes smoked smog to the street, delivers fresh air inside, does not allow smoke to enter adjacent rooms.
  • The door is required. It will prevent tobacco smoke from entering adjacent rooms..
  • There should be a sign on the door: “smoking area”.
  • In the smoking room you need to put ashtrays, a fire extinguisher.

Penalty for smoking in a public place

Fines for smoking

A law enforcement officer, Rospotrebnadzor or a fire inspector can write a penalty for smoking in public places. If they were not present at violation of the rules, you must provide evidence – take a photo, take a video, enlist the support of witnesses. The size of the fines for smoking is regulated by the Code of Administrative Violations of the Russian Federation:

  • In a public place – from 500–1.5 thousand rubles. (Article 6, paragraph 24.1).
  • At the playground where children play – from 2 to 3 thousand rubles. (Article 6, paragraph 24.2).

The punishment for officials, legal entities, businessmen, who are responsible for organizing special places for smoking (Art. 6.25), is:

  • Improperly equipped smoking room – from 10 to 90 thousand rubles.
  • No sign that smoking is prohibited – from 30 to 60 thousand rubles.
  • No smoking room – from 30 to 90 thousand rubles.
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Comments: 2
  1. Indigo

    Is smoking allowed in public?

    Reply
  2. Nova Clarke

    Is it permissible to smoke in public areas? I’m wondering if there are laws or regulations that restrict smoking in certain places.

    Reply
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