A new initiative in Russia proposes increasing fines for vaping in the workplace by tenfold, potentially reaching up to 15,000 rubles. Ekaterina Leshchinskaya, chair of the “Healthy Fatherland” movement, submitted the proposal to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, aiming to close a legal loophole where office vaping was often only regulated by internal company rules.
Expert Trepolsky notes this measure would legally equate e-cigarettes with traditional ones. While adoption in 2026 is considered likely, full enforcement might not begin until 2027, giving businesses time to adapt. The proposed fines range from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles. Beyond police fines, companies would gain legal grounds for disciplinary actions, including dismissal.
However, enforcement poses challenges as vape vapor dissipates quickly and often doesn’t trigger smoke detectors. Control will likely fall to employers, relying on complaints from non-smoking colleagues or CCTV footage.
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