Russian Lawmakers Propose Additions to Anti-Smoking Bill

MOSCOW, January 11 (RIA Novosti) - Russian lawmakers proposed additions to anti-smoking bill, in particular to ban the so-called smoking rooms at work places and prohibit showing cigarettes on television and in films, Izvestia daily reported on Friday.

Last month the lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, passed in the first reading a bill that clamped on smoking in Russia, where some 40 percent of adult population are smokers.

Besides the mooted ban on smoking rooms at work places, lawmakers propose to prohibit any smoking scenes in films. Movies that were made earlier and already contain scenes with cigarettes should be accompanied by social advertising on health problems caused by smoking.

The anti-smoking bill in the Russian parliament envisages a gradual ban on smoking in public - from state buildings, educational and cultural sites, to sports stadiums and transport systems. Smoking would also be prohibited in bars, cafes and other public spaces, including playgrounds and train stations.

The draft bill would also ban cigarette sales in counters, the display of tobacco products, and images of smoking in any form of media for children, as well as raise tobacco duties and introduce a minimum price for cigarettes.