Russians Advised of Fines for Smoking on Shared Balconies

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Smoking on shared apartment building balconies in Russia can result in fines ranging from 500 to 1,500 rubles, according to Sergey Kolunov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Construction, Housing and Communal Services. He emphasized that the ban on smoking in common areas of residential buildings, such as elevators and stairwells, also extends to these shared balconies.

Common Area Smoking Ban Includes Balconies, Hookahs

Kolunov noted that residents might mistakenly believe shared balconies are separate from common подъезд (entrance hall/stairwell) areas, but this is incorrect. The restrictions apply equally to smoking hookahs in these locations. Furthermore, if smoke from an individual’s private apartment balcony causes discomfort to neighbors, they are entitled to contact the police. This advice aligns with legal expert Alexander Karabanov, who previously suggested calling the police for neighbors smoking on balconies, citing both discomfort and fire safety concerns. The Russian government is also reportedly evaluating a bill to increase fines for smoking near schools.

Australia’s New Tobacco Laws: Packaging & Flavor Bans

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Changes Under 2023 Act Aim to Discourage Smoking and Reduce Harm

Smokers across Australia will soon notice significant changes to cigarette and tobacco products as new federal laws under the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 take full effect. Retailers are already beginning to stock products compliant with the new regulations, which aim to further reduce smoking rates and protect public health by making tobacco less appealing and informative about quitting.

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Maldives Proposes Mandatory ID Checks for Tobacco Sales

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Following last year’s laws raising the tobacco purchase age to 21 and establishing a generational ban (for those born after Jan 1, 2007), the Maldives is considering stricter enforcement. An amendment proposed by MP Ali Ashrag would require tobacco sellers to demand official government ID if they doubt a buyer’s age.

This places greater responsibility on vendors, potentially involving penalties for non-compliance. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized the urgency, noting that over 30% of the population falls under the generational ban. The move, alongside a previous vape import ban, aims to solidify the nation’s plan for a tobacco-free generation.

Kazakhstan Approves New Tax Code: VAT Set at 16%, Excise Hikes for Tobacco & HTPs

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Majilis Passes Reforms Aimed at Simplification and Differentiated Rates

Deputies in Kazakhstan’s Majilis (lower house of parliament) have approved a new Tax Code in its second reading, introducing significant changes aimed at simplifying the system and adjusting tax rates across various sectors. The reforms include setting the standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate and outlining phased increases for excise duties on alcohol, tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).

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Egypt Cigarette Prices Stable Despite Tax Stamp Hike

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Rumors Persist, But Official Prices Unchanged Since Late 2024

Despite ongoing speculation and a recent increase in the value of tax stamps (“banderoles”) affixed to packs, official cigarette prices in Egypt remain unchanged, with no new price hikes announced by manufacturers or the Ministry of Finance. Rumors frequently circulate regarding cigarette costs, prompting close consumer attention.

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Kazakhstan Cigarette Prices Climb Steadily, Up 16.5% Year-on-Year

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Domestic Production Rises as Costs Increase Across Regions

Smokers in Kazakhstan are facing increasingly expensive cigarettes, with prices rising consistently month after month. According to analysis by Energyprom, the average cost of cigarettes surged by 16.5% year-on-year by the end of March 2025, with a 1% increase recorded in March alone.

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Türkiye Cigarette Prices Surge in 2025 Following Tax Hikes

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Philip Morris Brands See 10 TL Increase, Pushing Prices Higher

Smokers in Türkiye are facing significantly higher cigarette prices in 2025, with major brands experiencing substantial increases attributed largely to hikes in the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on tobacco products.

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Hong Kong Proposes Higher Fines for Excess Cigarettes, Expands No-Smoking Zones

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Hong Kong is set to tighten its tobacco control laws with a new amendment bill introduced on April 25, 2025. Key proposals target travelers bringing cigarettes and expand public no-smoking areas.

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Ukraine Cigarette Prices Set for Continuous Rise Through 2028

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Largest Hike Expected in 2025 Due to Excise Tax Adjustments

Cigarette prices in Ukraine are projected to increase continuously from 2025 through 2028, driven by planned hikes in excise taxes. According to the April 2025 Inflation Report from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), the most significant price jump is expected this year, partly to compensate for lower-than-targeted tax revenues in the previous year.

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Why Airplanes Still Have Ashtrays When Smoking Is Banned?

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It’s a common observation for many air travelers, whether seasoned flyers or occasional vacationers: nestled somewhere onboard, often in or near the lavatory, sits an ashtray. This small feature might seem like a curious relic from a bygone era, especially given the strict, universally enforced bans on smoking during flights that have been in place for decades. The lingering presence of these ashtrays sparks a natural question: if lighting up mid-flight is strictly forbidden and carries hefty penalties, why do even brand-new airplanes still come equipped with them? The answer lies not in condoning smoking, but firmly in the realm of passenger safety and regulatory foresight.

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