On Monday, February 25, Russian President has signed into law a harsh ban on smoking in public places.

      The new law makes provision for a gradual ban on smoking in public, including in government buildings, healthcare and educational facilities, cultural sites, sports stadiums and on public transport.

      The law comes into force on June 1, 2013, though some of its provisions, including a total ban on smoking in restaurants, trains and hotels, will only come into effect one year later.

      Another clause of the law is a complete ban on tobacco advertising. Tobacco companies will not be allowed to hold promotional prize draws and sponsor public events and competitions. Tobacco products will not be displayed in shops.

      The law is a part of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Russia signed with the World Health Organization in 2008.