Can I smoke cigarettes in the stairwell of a high-rise apartment building? Such questions are asked not only by smokers, but also by neighbors who are against smoking. The Citizens' Health Protection Act, which bans smoking in all public places, has undergone some changes.
According to the amendments, smokers are prohibited from smoking cigarettes in high-rise buildings.
Basic provisions of the law on tobacco control
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. Cigarette smog has a negative effect on the health of people who do not suffer from nicotine addiction.
For what reasons was the law banning the use of cigarettes in populated areas adopted?
The impetus for the adoption of measures against tobacco at the state level was the appalling statistics:
- More than 40% of people suffer from nicotine addiction;
- About 400, 000 people die each year from cancer and other smoking-related diseases;
- Tobacco smog has a negative effect on the health of passive smokers, provoking cancer.
In connection with the above reasons, the Ministry of Health proposed to adopt a bill 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;
- commercial and household enterprises;
- work areas and transport stops;
- seaports and trains.
Obviously, for a large smoker, the list of forbidden places suitable for satisfying nicotine needs is quite large. Therefore, from time to time they still break the law and commit illegal acts for which they subsequently bear administrative responsibility.
Is it possible to smoke at the entrance of a residential building?
Under the new law banning smoking in public places, you cannot use cigarettes at entrances. The entrance of a residential building is closed for smoking due to lack of ventilation system. For this reason, the use of tobacco products on stairs and steps is prohibited.
In order to protect the health of citizens who do not suffer from nicotine addiction, the anti-tobacco project identifies the following places in residential buildings where smoking is strictly prohibited:
- elevators and basements;
- stairwells and ceilings;
- technical rooms and corridors.
For non-compliance with the instructions, the smoker will be punished in the form of sanctions.
To bring lawbreakers to justice, you must write a statement to the police.
Exceptions to the rule
Fines for smoking at the entrance are not imposed in all cases.
Despite the points set out in the anti-tobacco bill, smoking at the entrances to tall buildings is still possible, but only if certain conditions are met:
- the presence of specially designated smoking areas;
- the presence of a ventilation system in the "smoking rooms";
- compliance of the smoking area with fire safety standards;
- consent of the tenants of a residential multi-storey building for the equipment of the "smoking room" at the entrance.
In all other cases, the smoker is responsible for smoking at the entrance. If the offender is guilty, he will be fined.
Sanctions for smoking at the entrance
What punishment can the offender incur for smoking cigarettes at the entrance of a multi-storey residential building?
The law is quite strict and therefore provides a very severe material penalty for heavy smokers for:
- the use of cigarettes on the stairwells.
- smoking near playgrounds.
- participation of minors in the smoking process.
In addition, fines are imposed on officials who are obliged to monitor the implementation of the adopted law.
The protection of public order is the sole responsibility of the police and a fine is imposed by their officers if that person violates the law restricting smoking and the distribution of tobacco.
How to punish violators?
How can you punish a smoker who uses tobacco products at the entrance?
If the person is not convinced by your urgings to throw away the cigarette, you should do the following:
- capturing the process of smoking the offender in the wrong place with a video camera or camcorder;
- write a statement to law enforcement and provide video and photo 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 law on tobacco control.