St. Petersburg Aims to Lead Russia in Total Vape Ban
St. Petersburg is positioning itself to become the first region in Russia to implement a complete ban on all vaping products, fueled by strong political will within the city’s Legislative Assembly. During a recent session, deputy Pavel Krupnik labeled vapes “pure evil,” accusing manufacturers of falsely claiming they are safer than cigarettes.
In a notable exchange, Senator Andrey Kutepov countered by highlighting existing bans on sales to minors and stating there is still “no medical confirmation of the harm they cause.” The discussion underscored a broader frustration among lawmakers, with Assembly Speaker Alexander Belsky pointing out a specific vape kiosk that remains operational despite his repeated requests for its removal.
This aggressive local push is not happening in isolation. It is significantly bolstered by high-level endorsements for a nationwide prohibition. Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced his approval for a full ban on multiple occasions. Furthermore, the speaker of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, has confirmed that an “absolute majority” of deputies support the measure. This powerful national backing adds considerable weight to St. Petersburg’s initiative, signaling that a comprehensive federal ban could be on the horizon.
- Read more: Putin Backs Complete Vape Sales Ban in Russia
- News source: Санкт-Петербург стал первым среди других регионов в решимости полностью запретить вейпы
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