Since April 2008, when Russia joined the WHO framework convention on smoking cessation, it has undertaken to fight the bad habit in radical ways. Within several years after the signing of an international treaty, significant changes should be made to the existing legislation.
The first step towards the fight against smoking has already been taken - the appearance of cigarettes has been changed. Now the warning labels on the packs, telling about the dangers of tobacco, have become much larger.
The next stage, the implementation of which is about five years, involves the introduction of a complete ban on any advertising of cigarettes. In addition, tobacco companies will be prohibited from conducting sponsorship, charitable or other activities that promote the dissemination of information about their products.
The new bill also proposes to completely ban smoking from the beginning of 2014 at airports and train stations, both inside and in front of the entrance. Smoking will no longer be possible on long-distance trains and passenger ships. And since 2015, nightclubs, cafes, hotels and even hookah bars will also be closed for smoking. In the entrances of residential buildings, it will be possible to equip a special smoking area only with the permission of absolutely all residents.
The reform will also affect the rules for the retail sale of tobacco products. They can be purchased only in stores with an area of at least 50 square meters. Moreover, the display of cigarettes will not be made, and it will be possible to choose them only according to a special price list.
Cigarette prices will also change significantly. The cost of the cheapest pack will be more than 60 rubles, which implies a 3-fold increase in comparison with today. Such a metamorphosis will be associated with the new decision of the Ministry of Health to increase the share of excise in the retail price to 50%.
In addition, amendments will be made to the Code of Administrative Offenses - it is supposed to add measures of responsibility for non-compliance with the anti-tobacco law for both individuals and legal entities. And the regions will have the right, at their own discretion, to tighten restrictions on smoking areas and cigarette sales conditions.
