Russia deletes your right to vodka

by Redazione West - 2013.02.22

Forget about Russian stereotypes; forget about the vodka drinkers and hard-core smokers, because times are changing. It's not so much that people are forging better habits, but has rather more to do with state intervention. The Duma has approved a law that bans smoking in all public places. It was passed almost unanimously – 441 votes in favour and just one against. Smoking will be prohibited in government offices, schools, universities, on office landings, and even outside metro stations (it's already banned inside). At the same time, tobacco advertising will also be banned.



The measure, which still needs to be signed by the president and approved by the Federal Council, will come into force on 1 June. In a year's time, all bars, restaurants and hotels will also be non-smoking, as will long-distance trains, which still play a key transport role in a big country such as Russia. You will only be able to light up in your own car and in designated smoking areas, which are already appearing in public places, although they are still few and far between in Russian bars and restaurants.



Just to be clear, it's not currently possible to smoke anywhere. As well as metro stations, cigarettes are already banned in airports and in railway stations. And many companies have already banned smoking. However, you often see people lighting up in a non-smoking area.



Cigarettes are incredibly cheap in Russia, which has also held up the high smoking rate. While Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world, a packet of cigarettes costs just one euro. In fact, Russia has one of the highest rates of smokers in the world: about 30% of the population – or nearly 44 million people.



But it's a bad habit with a high health cost. The Moscow Times recently quoted a Russian representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), who said that up to 400,000 Russians die each year of tobacco-related diseases. It is hoped that the new law will help to cut smoking-related deaths.



And so it's 'goodbye' to cigarettes. But the Russian government also faces a battle when it comes to alcohol. From 1 January this year, there has been a 33% increase on the price of vodka sold by the bottle, with a minimum price of 170 roubles (about €4.20) per half litre. The result has been that many supermarkets, especially the smaller ones, have taken vodka off their shelves, making life difficult for vodka lovers.



On top of this, there is a crack-down on drink-driving, with up to 15 years in prison or a fine of up to €12,400. In fact, Russia has an unenviable track record: it has one of the highest road fatality rates: 28,000 in 2011.



Moreover, if tobacco causes 400,000 deaths, official statistics show there are 500,000 deaths a year from the effects of alcohol: two bad habits with high costs in terms of human lives. Now the Russian government is taking decisive action.





Tabagism . Published in Alcoholism