Putin signs law banning smoking in public in Russia

Taken from: BBC News Europe

Date Published: February 25th, 2013

It's an estimated 40% of Russians are smokers

Summary: By the next year smoking in public areas will officially be illegal in Russia. That means smoking in restaurants, on long-distance train rides, and in metro stations. Studies have shown that Russia has one of the highest smoking rates in the world. In every 10 Russians 4 become smokers. The bill was passed in early February, with only one deputy voting against the bill. The law is called the "On protecting the health of citizens from the danger of passive smoking and the consequences of the use of tobacco" will come into play one the first of June. The bill also includes the restriction of advertising tobacco. There has also been a minimum retail price set for the sale of tobacco.

Opinion: I don't smoke myself, but I think it is unfair for the people that do smoke. They should have the freedom to smoke, they should be able to in a smoking only room or something. It will be better for the health of other people, but it is still unfair for the people that already smoke. In the end the factors favor the bill, but I don't think smokers will be happy for this.