After the adoption of the Health Promotion Law six years ago, smoking was banned in hospitals, shops and other buildings, on train platforms and on bullet trains, as well as on streets, but special smoking areas were designated for smokers. However, after research conducted by the Institute of Industrial Medicine, it turned out that this measure was completely insufficient to protect non-smokers from the harm of secondhand smoke.
In this regard, in April, the Ministry of Health will send relevant instructions on a total smoking ban in hospitals, schools and all types of transport to district administrations. According to RIA Novosti, a relaxation is provided for restaurants and hotels: they are allowed to limit themselves to setting up smoking areas, as the ministry fears that a total ban will cause a significant outflow of visitors. The timeline for introducing the smoking ban and its details are left to the discretion of regional administrations.