Putin signs anti-smoking legislation

MOSCOW, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill that bans smoking in public places into law, officials said Monday.

The anti-smoking law, which was approved by the State Duma Jan. 11, provides for the gradual ban on smoking in public spaces, including government buildings, healthcare and educational facilities, cultural sites, sports stadiums and on public transport, RIA Novosti reported.

The law takes effect June 1 but some of its provisions, including a ban on smoking in restaurants, trains and hotels, will take effect in 2014. It also imposes a ban on tobacco advertising and the display of tobacco products in stores. The sale of tobacco products at kiosks will be banned next year.

A minimum price for cigarettes will be set in 2014. Currently, a pack of cigarettes cost about $1.30.

In 2008, Russia signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control with the World Health Organization, which obliged the country to enact tougher restrictions on tobacco by 2015.