On Monday, October 21, Russian President signed off the introduction of stiffer penalties for smoking in public as the government continues its battle for improving health standards in the country.

      The law sets fines of up to 3,000 rubles ($94) for smoking in public places not designated as smoking areas. These are such places as government buildings, healthcare and educational facilities, cultural sites and sports stadiums. The steepest fines are reserved for offenders smoking in playgrounds.

      Under the new rules, which are set to come into force on November 15, fines for vendors selling goods containing tobacco to minors have also been increased. A total ban on smoking in restaurants, trains and hotels is set to come into effect next year.

      Russia still remains the country with one of the highest rates of smoking in the world. According to some researches, the crackdown on smoking in public places could save up to 200,000 lives annually.