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.

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The Spanish government is preparing to expand its list of public places where smoking traditional cigarettes and using vapes (e-cigarettes) will be prohibited, El Pais reports. This move aims to ensure healthier and more comfortable spaces for the entire population, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.

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North Carolina lawmakers are considering a bill to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco and vape products from 18 to 21, aiming to align state law with existing federal regulations. A legislative meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the proposal, which is co-sponsored by Rep. Donnie Loftis (R-Gaston) and Rep. Gale Adcock (D-Wake).

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France to ban smoking on beaches, in parks & near schools from July 1 with €135 fine; cafe terraces & vapes currently exempt.

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The Chechen Republic has the lowest prevalence of smoking in Russia at just 0.2%, followed by Ingushetia (6.17%) and Kabardino-Balkaria (10.31%), according to March 2025 data from the Central Research Institute for Organization and Informatization of Health (CRIOI) of the Russian Ministry of Health. Other regions with low smoking rates include Karachay-Cherkessia (11.18%) and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (11.58%).

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France is set to implement a significant expansion of its smoking ban, prohibiting smoking in most outdoor public places starting July 1, 2025. The new law aims to protect the public, particularly children, from secondhand smoke and further denormalize tobacco use.

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French daily smoking rates hit lowest since 1990 (23.1% in 2023), while daily vaping climbs to 6.1%, new OFDT study reveals.

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Palm Coast City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting smoking and vaping in all city-owned public parks and trails. The measure, which passed 4-0 at its first reading on May 20th, aligns with the Florida Clean Air Act, a state law enacted in June 2024 that empowers municipalities to regulate smoking in public spaces.

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Your guide to UK rules for smoking & vaping in pub gardens, festivals (Glastonbury, Creamfields), pavement cafes & racecourses this summer.

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Discover the 6 largest nicotine and tobacco companies in the U.S. (PMI, Altria, RAI, ITG, Liggett, Swedish Match/ZYN) and their shift to smokeless products.

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