Can I smoke cigarettes in the stairwell of a multi-storey residential building? Similar questions are asked not only by smokers, but also by neighbors who oppose smoking. The Law on the Protection of Citizens' Health, which prohibits smoking tobacco products in all public places, has undergone some changes.
According to the amendments, smokers are prohibited from smoking cigarettes in multi-storey buildings.
Key provisions of the anti-tobacco law
Is it possible to smoke cigarettes in the entrances and elevators of residential buildings? The law, which imposes restrictions on smoking in public places, aims to protect the rights of non-smokers. Tobacco smog from cigarettes negatively affects the health of people who do not suffer from nicotine addiction.
For what reasons was the law banning the use of cigarettes in crowded areas adopted?
The impulse for the adoption of anti-smoking measures at the state level was the horrifying statistics:
- More than 40% of people suffer from nicotine addiction;
- About 400 thousand citizens die annually due to the development of cancer and other ailments associated with smoking;
- Tobacco smog negatively affects the health of passive smokers, provoking cancer.
In connection with the above reasons, the Ministry of Health proposed to enact a legislative draft banning smoking, at least in the territories of spontaneous gatherings of citizens:
- in universities and schools;
- playgrounds and sports grounds;
- cafes and hotels;
- airports and train stations;
- aprons and parking lots;
- government agencies and hospitals;
- air and land transport;
- trade and household enterprises;
- working areas and transport stops;
- seaports and trains.
Obviously, for a heavy smoker, the list of forbidden places suitable for satisfying nicotine needs is quite large. Therefore, from time to time they still violate the law and commit illegal actions, for which they subsequently bear administrative responsibility.
Is it possible to smoke in the entrance of a residential building?
According to the new law on the prohibition of smoking in public places, you cannot use cigarettes in the entryways. The entrance of a residential building is closed for smoking due to the lack of a ventilation system. It is for this reason that the use of tobacco products on staircases and steps is prohibited.
To protect the health of citizens who do not suffer from nicotine addiction, the anti-tobacco project specifies the following places in apartment buildings where smoking is strictly prohibited:
- elevators and basements;
- stairwells and attics;
- technical rooms and corridors.
For non-compliance with the instructions, the smoker will be punished in the form of penalties.
To bring violators of the law to justice, you need to write a corresponding statement to the police.
Exceptions to the rule
Fines for smoking at the entrance are not imposed in all cases.
Despite the points specified in the anti-tobacco bill, smoking in the entrances of high-rise buildings is still possible, but only if certain conditions are met:
- the presence of specially designated places for smoking;
- the presence of a ventilation system in the "smoking rooms";
- compliance of the smoking area with fire safety standards;
- the consent of the tenants of the high-rise building for the equipment of the "smoking room" at the entrance.
In all other cases, the smoker is responsible for smoking in the entrance. If the offender is guilty, he will be punished with a fine.
Penalties for smoking at the entrance
What punishment can an offender incur for smoking cigarettes in the entrance of a multi-storey residential building?
The law is quite strict and therefore provides for very severe material punishment for hard-core smokers for:
- the use of cigarettes in the stairwells.
- smoking near playgrounds.
- involvement of minors in the process of smoking.
In addition, fines are also imposed on officials who are obliged to monitor the implementation of the adopted law.
Public order protection is entirely the responsibility of the police, and a fine is imposed by their employees if this individual violates the law on restricting smoking and the distribution of tobacco.
How to punish offenders?
How can you punish a smoker who uses tobacco products at the entrance?
If the person is not convinced by your insistent requests to throw away the cigarette, you need to do the following:
- filming the offender's smoking process in the wrong place on a video camera or camera;
- write a statement to law enforcement agencies and provide video and photographic materials confirming the veracity of the testimony;
- provide at least two witnesses who could confirm the veracity of your words and the authenticity of the photo and video materials.
These measures will be enough to punish a negligent neighbor for non-compliance with the rules prescribed in the anti-tobacco law.