Russian Duma passes ban on smoking in most public places

[Larry1]

The State Duma on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a wide-ranging anti-smoking bill that would ban lighting up in almost all public places and practically eliminate tobacco advertisements.

The bill, which still needs approval by the Federation Council and the president, would forbid smoking in state institutions, universities, schools and hospitals, as well as in elevators and stairwells and near metro stations beginning June 1. Smoking is already prohibited in the metro.

A year after that, the ban would be extended to include bars, restaurants, hotels and long-distance trains, as well as municipal and suburban transportation.

Shop owners would be barred from displaying cigarette packs in store windows, and tobacco companies from sponsoring festivals or doing anything else to advertise or “stimulate” sales.

With cigarettes cheap and smoking permitted nearly everywhere, Russia is currently a smokers’ haven compared with many developed countries. About 30 percent of the population — or 44 million people — are considered smokers.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/duma-passes-no-smoking-bill-ban-likely-june-1/475398.html#ixzz2Ku71hMkl

Although I haven't seen the bill, my guess is that it doesn't ban smoking outside public buildings.  If that's correct I suppose you'll see lots of smokers right outside building exits, just as you do here.  Guys, consider taking up smoking for your trips to Russia.  It might allow you to meet some of these girls who are outside smoking.  Or if you're not willing to do that, at least bring a cigarette lighter to light their cigs as a conversation starter.  Some guys I know have been successful at meeting FSUW that way.