The new Basic Guarantees of the Rights of the Child Amendments Bill has been introduced to the Russian Parliament proposing the ban on smoking in vehicles where children are present. Breaching the new provision will cost offenders from RUR 3,000 up to RUR 5,000 (the equivalent of USD 1,000 – 1,700).

This is another important part of the government scheme to improve children’s health and raise life expectancy.

A similar ban was introduced in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the year.

Almost 400,000 Russians died from smoking-related diseases in 2012 with the estimated figures of smoking rate being 40% of the population. With the cigarettes prices being extremely low (less than $1 (RUR 60) per pack), the war against smoking is hard to win.

From 1 June 2014, all cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, shops, markets, shopping centres and long-distance journeys on ships and trains will become smoke free pursuant to earlier adopted legislative changes.