Russia: Smoking on Shared Balconies Carries Fines up to 1,500 Rubles
Smoking on common or shared balconies in multi-apartment buildings is illegal in Russia and is subject to fines ranging from 500 to 1,500 rubles, a senior Russian lawmaker has clarified. Sergey Kolunov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Construction and Housing, told RIA Novosti that many residents are unaware of this prohibition.
He noted that despite the ban, residents often set up ashtrays and smoke regularly on these shared balconies, mistakenly treating them as an “outdoor street” rather than part of the building’s common property. “Smoking on a common balcony in an apartment building is an offense,” Kolunov stated, emphasizing the need for public awareness.
The parliamentarian also reminded the public that existing legislation already prohibits smoking in other common areas of apartment buildings, including elevators, on staircases, and in entranceways. The clarification aims to reinforce the rules designed to protect residents from secondhand smoke in shared living spaces.
- Read more: Russians Advised of Fines for Smoking on Shared Balconies
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