Russia: Vologda Oblast Aims for Complete Vape Sales Ban
Governor Calls Vapes “Weapon of Genocide,” Seeks Regional Authority
Authorities in Russia’s Vologda Oblast intend to implement a complete ban on the sale of vapes and other smoking mixtures, according to Governor Georgy Filimonov. In an interview with RBC agency, Filimonov strongly condemned these products, calling them and alcohol “weapons of genocide against people,” particularly the young.
Filimonov stated his intention to act similarly to how the region restricted alcohol sales, although he acknowledged a current lack of specific regulatory authority transferred to the region for vape products. He emphasized the need to prohibit – not just restrict – the sale of smoking mixtures, vapes, nicotine-containing products, and aroma inhalers.
While a federal bill increasing fines for selling tobacco and vapes to minors has passed the State Duma, Filimonov noted it doesn’t grant regions broader control powers. He mentioned discussions with State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, seeking support for legislation that would empower regions to set stricter conditions, including complete sales bans, similar to alcohol regulations. The Vologda Oblast Legislative Assembly has submitted such a bill to the State Duma. In the interim, the region plans individual store checks for violations.