Russian lawmaker proposes heavier fines for publicly displaying e-cigarettes

Alexander Spiridonov, vice-chairman of the Russian State Duma's Industry and Trade Committee, has proposed to double the fines for publicly displaying e-cigarettes. At the same time, some members of the State Duma have suggested a complete ban on e-cigarette advertising.

According to Russian media News.ru, Alexander Spiridonov proposed to double the fines for publicly displaying e-cigarettes.

In an interview, Spiridonov pointed out that the current fines do not sufficiently alert retailers, who continue to attract minors by displaying nicotine-containing e-cigarettes in their shop windows.

Spiridonov believes that when businesses violate e-cigarette sales regulations, their operations should be restricted for a month. He has raised concerns about such businesses with the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare and plans to draft legislation soon to increase fines for individuals to 4,000 to 6,000 rubles, for public officials to 10,000 to 20,000 rubles, and for organizations to 60,000 to 100,000 rubles.

Meanwhile, Sergey Altukhov, a member of the State Duma's Economic Policy Committee, agrees with Spiridonov, emphasizing the need to strengthen the crackdown on domestic e-cigarette sales. However, Altukhov noted that situations may vary by region, so local representatives' opinions should be considered. He believes that the authority to determine fine amounts could be delegated to local governments.

Earlier, some members of the State Duma proposed a complete ban on e-cigarette advertising in media and online. They emphasized the need to restrict websites promoting e-cigarettes and set fines for such promotions.