The prohibition would supposedly improve the living conditions in cities and protect youth against tobacco
Russian MP and head of the State Duma Sports Committee, Amir Khamitov, has suggested banning people from smoking while walking in the streets.
The proposed ban was first reported by RIA Novosti on Monday. The agency cited a letter sent by Khamitov to Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko as urging an amendment to the nation’s 2013 smoking law, which heavily restricted the activity in public places.
“Banning smoking while walking will make cities cleaner and more pleasant to live in. In addition, the ban will help reduce the spread of smoking among young people,” the MP wrote.
Reached by the agency for comment, the lawmaker confirmed he had indeed proposed the idea. Khamitov said he had been approached with the initiative by a group of unspecified civic activists.
“The fact is that smoking while walking harms those around you simultaneously in several ways. This includes passive smoking for those nearby, pollution of the environment by cigarette butts randomly scattered, as well as setting a negative example for children and young people,” the MP explained.
It was not immediately clear whether smokers would still be able to indulge in their habit while standing still on the street, should the proposed amendments be adopted.
Over the past decade, Russia has gradually toughened its stance on smoking in public places. The 2013 law banned smoking in restaurants and bars, long-distance trains, and in the entrance halls of housing blocks. Smoking is prohibited in outdoor locations, such as parks, with the practice also illegal in the vicinity of entrances to most public venues. The restrictions were later expanded to different types of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and other unconventional smoking methods.
