Russia's Republic of Tatarstan unanimously passes bill banning minors from hookah venues

  Russia has unanimously passed a bill banning minors from entering smoking venues, reducing underage tobacco consumption year by year and actively discouraging youth smoking.

According to a report by Russian media outlet Inkazan, a new bill in the Republic of Tatarstan plans to prohibit minors from entering venues that provide hookah services, as well as designated isolated areas where smoking is permitted.

The report noted that although the sale of tobacco products to minors is prohibited, such violations still occur every year. Statistics show that there were more than 30 such cases in both 2021 and 2022, while the number has fallen to 25 in 2023. This problem is not only widespread in major cities, but also occurs frequently in the Kazan region.

Deputy Naumova said the bill would help strengthen efforts to curb youth smoking. The bill was passed unanimously.