Russia occupies one of the first places in the world for the consumption of cigarettes. According to statistics, about 40% of the population smokes in the country. The Russian government is considering a number of measures that could reduce these indicators. In particular, a draft law on the fight against smoking is being prepared, which is planned to be adopted in the very near future. The Ministry of Health and deputies of the State Duma are taking part in the preparation of the anti-tobacco law.
By 2013, cigarettes should be gone from store shelves. The law provides for a ban on the open display of cigarettes, you can choose them according to a separate price list. It will be possible to purchase tobacco products only in large supermarkets licensed to sell strong alcoholic beverages. The project envisages the application of inscriptions and images on cigarette packs telling about the consequences that smoking can lead to. It is assumed that such measures will cut off the smoking of minors.
The developers of the law consider it necessary to introduce a total ban on smoking in public places and increase the penalties for violating such a ban. It will be possible to smoke only in a few specially designated places and in open areas. It is planned to gradually eliminate smoking in those workplaces that are located in the premises.
The Ministry of Health proposes to establish minimum retail prices for tobacco products, which should be revised upward by the government annually. According to the developers of the law, this should significantly reduce the demand for cigarettes. It is planned to gradually bring tobacco prices to the average European level.
Sellers will be given the right to require the buyer for a passport or other identity document containing age information. This measure will allow excluding the sale of cigarettes to persons under the age of 18 years.
The new law is likely to be the toughest in recent Russian history. That is why the provisions of the bill caused an ambiguous attitude on the part of the departments interested in solving this problem. Before the adoption of the law, he will have to go through multiple approvals. The measures proposed by the drafters of the law have already met with opposition from major cigarette manufacturers. The adoption of the law, obviously, may become possible no earlier than November 2012.
