Vladimir Putin, the leader of Russia, aims to combat smoking by implementing the toughest cigarette regulations ever proposed by a government.
This fitness enthusiast detests the presence of smokers around him and desires that everyone in the nation extinguish their detrimental habit. As part of his initiative to eliminate tobacco in Russia permanently, individuals born after 2015 would be prohibited from purchasing cigarettes.
In fact, this action would be regarded as comparable to purchasing illegal drugs.
However, while Putin’s strategies may appear severe, such drastic measures might be necessary. Approximately 43 percent of the Russian population currently smokes, a decrease from 60 percent just a year ago.
Even with tax increases, tobacco remains inexpensive relative to Western Europe, with a pack of Marlboro priced at only AU$1.82.
Smoking is already prohibited in Russian workplaces, stairwells of residential buildings, buses and commuter trains, as well as within 15 meters of train stations and airports.
A petition opposing the smoking ban has garnered over 100,000 signatures — a number that is expected to grow.
by Robbo Green
