ASU employee suggested introducing fines for smoking cigarettes and using snus

13 December 2019 Department of Information and Media Communications
Head of the Department of Educational and Extracurricular Activities at Altai State University, chairman of Altai Krai Youth Parliament Artem E. Safonov, proposed introducing administrative liability for the use and sale of snus (a moist powder smokeless tobacco product). This decision was made at a session of parliament on December 12.

Snus is a smokeless type of tobacco with no special odor. It is placed in upper lip for extended periods, after which nicotine enters the body. According to experts, one packet of snus nicotine contains as much as five cigarettes. Snus consumers also develop nicotine addiction, they have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular and oncological diseases, gum diseases.

"Currently, the sale of snus is prohibited at the federal level. However, sellers rename snus into chewing tobacco, thereby taking it beyond the scope of administrative responsibility," chairman of Altai Krai Youth Parliament Artem Safonov stated.

The young deputies agreed with him and proposed amendments to the regional law "On Administrative Responsibility for Committing Violations in Altai Krai". In particular, it was proposed to supplement the law with an article providing for a sanction for the wholesale or retail sale of chewing tobacco. The fine for citizens, according to the project, will be from 2 to 4 thousand rubles, for officials – from 7 to 12 thousand rubles, for legal entities – from 40 to 60 thousand rubles. Another article provides a fine for the use and storage of snus – from 2 to 4 thousand rubles, and if these facts are established in relation to minors – a fine in the amount of from 1.5 to 2.5 thousand rubles will be imposed on parents .

It should also be noted that today in the current Russian legislation there is no ban on the storage and use of such types of tobacco, therefore, such a proposal must be introduced on the federal level.

Another initiative concerns the ban on smoking vapes, electronic cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems while driving. The developers proposed amending the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation in order to fine the driver for using vape while driving. The fine will amount to 1 thousand rubles. The initiative was supported by the deputies of Altai Krai Youth Parliament, after which it will be sent to the Federal Youth Parliamentary Structures to make an appropriate decision.

“When using electronic systems, a significant amount of steam is generated, which quickly fills the entire passenger compartment, reducing visibility while driving and negatively affects spatial orientation,” Ivan Subochev, chairman of Altai Krai Youth Parliament Legal Affairs Commission, said. "The traffic regulations and other laws do not directly prohibit smoking while driving. Nevertheless, there is a norm which says that road users must act in such a way as not to create a danger to traffic and not cause harm.”

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