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Putin signs law banning smoking in public in Russia
Smoking in public places will be banned in Russia after President Vladimir Putin signed a tough new bill into law.
Under the new legislation(законодательство), smoking in restaurants, long-distance trains and housing block entrance halls(вестибюль) will be illegal.
The government has made reducing smoking one of the cornerstones of its bid to improve public health.
Russia has one of the highest smoking rates in the world, with more than four in 10 Russians considered smokers.
Parliament passed the bill earlier in February, with only one deputy(депутат) in the State Duma(государственная дума) voting against the legislation.
The law "On protecting the health of citizens from the danger of passive smoking and the consequences(последствия) of the use of tobacco" will come into force(вступать в силу) in stages, beginning on 1 June.
On that date, smoking will be banned within 15m of entrances to stations, airports, metro stations and ports; in workplaces; in entrances to apartment blocks; and in children's playgrounds and on beaches.
Exactly one year later, smoking will be banned on long-distance trains and ships; in hotels; in restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and markets; and on suburban(пригородный) railway platforms.
Under the bill, a minimum retail price will be introduced for tobacco and its sale and advertising will be restricted(ограниченна).
The legislation meets some of the recommendations outlined in a World Health Organization report on smoking in Russia published in 2011.
According to that report, the retail price of a pack of 20 of the cheapest brand of cigarettes in 2010 was 11 roubles (£0.23; $0.36; 0.27 euros) while a popular Western brand sold for 48 roubles (£1; $1.6; 1.2 euros).
Questions 1. Do you smoke? 2. What do you think about this bill? 3. Do you think it is real to overcome smoking in Russia? 4. Is is hard to give up smoking? 5. How do you think who is the one deputy who voted against the bill?
So smoking is a real problem. A lot of people smoke nowadays and most of them are teenagers and children. It is really awfull. I smoke too but i understand that this habbit will kill me one day so i trying to give it up. To my mind i'll do it easier with high prices for tobacco. Moreover i think it is necessary to ban smoking everywhere except your our flat.
As far as I can judge Russia is the most smoking country in the world. I hope this law will help people to quit Smoking. Price increase also contributes to this. I think one day we will overcome this problem.
This question was discussed many times. And the government wants to obviate this problem. I hope they will do it soon. Аthough it isn' known if this action help or not.Many people are really dependent on it and they cannot stop. It is very sad.
