(Source: http://broshu-kurit.ru)

This article will clarify the frequently asked question - Where is It Allowed to Smoke in Russia?

Federal Law

A federal law banning smoking in public places was adopted in the Russian Federation on February 23, 2013. It has the official name “Number 15-FZ”. It deals with the protection of health and environment from exposure to tobacco smoke.

According to statistics of the Ministry of Healthcare, about half a million citizens of the Russian Federation die from cancer and many other serious lung diseases each year. Many health problems are caused by passive or active smoking. The growing trend in the number of smokers was the reason why the government adopted a bill banning smoking in public places.

Where is It Allowed to Smoke in Russia?

From June 2013 it is forbidden to smoke at a distance closer than 15 meters from all types of stops and stations, sea, river and air ports, metro stations on the territory of the Russian Federation. A lower limit applies to all other territorial categories.

Where Smoking is Prohibited

Health resorts, hospitals, public transport, high-rise buildings, beaches, playgrounds, educational or cultural institutions are the places where smoking is prohibited, i.e. public places (see the law). 5 meters away from the premises is the standard distance to which the law applies.

A violator will be required to pay a fine.

Smoking in Apartment Building

Quite often, smokers are wrong and think that it is allowed to smoke in the entrance halls, because these are a private property. However, this is not true. An entrance hall is state property, which is considered a public place. Smoking in an apartment building is allowed if it has a separate enclosed area with good ventilation and it is allowed to use it as a smoking room.

Fines 

Smoking on the playground or next to it will lead to paying a fee of two to three thousand roubles. The same amount is relevant for other territories where this prohibition applies. Minor persons are prohibited to buy alcohol and cigarettes. A teenager who does not comply with the requirements of the law will be punished with a fine of three to five thousand roubles.

A monetary penalty will also be imposed on the seller. The amount will make up from 30 to 50 thousand roubles. Public institutions are also under strict control. If an organization does not fully comply with the recommendations regarding the arrangement of a smoking area, then it has to pay a fine in the amount of 20 to 80 thousand roubles. Compliance of people and organizations with the standards of the law is the obligation of district police officers.