THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Vladimir Putin has signed a law banning smoking in public places in Russia from June, a cornerstone of the government's bid to improve public health in the nicotine-addicted country.
The law makes smoking illegal in restaurants, cafés, hotels, trains and a host of other places and will take effect in two stages.
From June 1, 2013, it will be illegal to smoke in Russia on municipal transport, at railway stations, in lifts and bus stations, administrative buildings as well as any place of education or health.
From June 2014, the ban will be stepped up to include ships, long distance trains, train platforms, hotels, cafés and restaurants in what will mean a major lifestyle change for many Russians. » | Source: AFP | Monday, February 25, 2013
