Russia Considers 30x Higher Fines for Smoking in Apartment Building Common Areas

Russia Smoking on Balconies Fines

Russia is considering a proposal to increase fines for smoking in the common areas of apartment buildings by up to 30 times the current penalties. Federation Council member Oleg Golov initiated the suggestion, arguing that the current administrative fines, ranging from 500 to 1,500 rubles, are too insignificant to deter the practice.

Golov believes raising the fine to as much as 50,000 rubles is necessary to protect residents, especially vulnerable groups like families with multiple children, pensioners, and expectant mothers, from the harmful effects of passive smoking. He emphasized that many people, including those with respiratory illnesses, use these common stairwells daily. “This is not just a question of comfort — it is a question of health,” Golov stated. His initiative will be reviewed by Health Minister Mikhail Murashko and Rospotrebnadzor head Anna Popova.

This proposal aims to reduce complaints about smokers in shared spaces and safeguard citizens’ health. Meanwhile, the State Duma is also reportedly considering a ban on selling cigarettes and vapes at bus stops.

Matthew Ma
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