MP assessed the bill on fines for selling cigarettes and vapes to children

Increasing fines for the sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, including electronic cigarettes, to minors is a necessary step toward reducing nicotine consumption among young people, said Mikhail Ivanov, a deputy of the Bryansk Regional Duma and chairman of the All-Russian public movement "Orthodox Russia". He told "Izvestia" on December 18.

Earlier in the day, the State Duma adopted at the plenary session in the first reading of the bill, according to which it is proposed to increase fines for the sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products to underage Russians, follows from the data of the system of ensuring the legislative activity of the lower house of Parliament. It is assumed that for the offense legal entities may be obliged to pay up to 2 million rubles, officials - up to 700 thousand rubles, citizens - up to 300 thousand. In addition, a fine is introduced for the sale of chewing tobacco.

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"The increase in fines will play a role in a more responsible approach of sellers to compliance with the law, as well as give a clear signal to society about the seriousness of the state's intentions in the fight against bad habits," Ivanov said.

In his opinion, the problem of nicotine-containing products use among minors is becoming more and more acute and it negatively affects the health of the future generation. At the same time, minors often become easy prey for sellers who do not follow the rules, which leads to the formation of addictions at an early age.

"An important aspect of the changes in legislation is the support of public organizations and educational institutions, which have a key role to play in educating young people about the harms of nicotine. Joint efforts of the state, business and society are necessary to achieve positive results and change the social norm regarding nicotine use," he emphasized.

The deputy urged to report lawbreakers to law enforcement agencies.

In October, the Russian Ministry of Health reported that it had developed a strategy to reduce tobacco consumption until 2030. Its main objective is to reduce the prevalence of smoking both tobacco and other nicotine-containing products, such as electronic cigarettes. These measures will help increase the life expectancy of Russian residents.