Can I smoke cigarettes on the staircase of a multi-story residential building? Similar questions are not only asked by smokers, but also by neighbors who are opposed to smoking. The Citizens' Health Protection Act, which prohibits smoking tobacco products in all public places, has undergone some changes.
Under the amendments, smokers are prohibited from smoking cigarettes in multi-story buildings.
Key provisions of the anti-smoking 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 adversely affects the health of people who are not addicted to nicotine.
For what reasons was the law that prohibits the use of cigarettes in crowded areas adopted?
The impetus for the adoption of anti-smoking measures at the state level was the horrifying statistics:
- More than 40% of people are addicted to nicotine;
- About 400 thousand citizens die annually from the development of cancer and other ailments associated with smoking;
- Tobacco smog negatively affects the health of passive smokers, causing cancer.
In relation to the above reasons, the Ministry of Health proposed the enactment of a bill prohibiting smoking, at least in the territories of spontaneous meetings of citizens:
- in universities and schools;
- playgrounds and sports fields;
- cafes and hotels;
- airports and train stations;
- aprons and parking lots;
- government agencies and hospitals;
- air and land transportation;
- commercial and domestic companies;
- work areas and transport stops;
- seaports and trains.
Obviously, for a heavy smoker, the list of no-go places suitable for satisfying nicotine needs is quite large. Therefore, from time to time they continue to violate the law and commit unlawful acts, for which they subsequently assume administrative responsibility.
Is it possible to smoke at the entrance of a residential building?
According to the new law on the prohibition of smoking in public places, cigarettes cannot be used in the entrances. The entrance to 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 stairs and steps is prohibited.
To protect the health of citizens who do not suffer from nicotine addiction, the anti-smoking bill specifies the following places in apartment buildings where smoking is strictly prohibited:
- elevators and basements;
- stairs and attics;
- technical rooms and corridors.
In case of non-compliance with the instructions, the smoker will be punished in the form of sanctions.
To bring lawbreakers to justice, you must write a corresponding statement to the police.
Exceptions to the rule
Not in all cases are fines imposed for smoking at the entrance.
Despite the points specified in the anti-smoking bill, it is still possible to smoke at the entrances of high-rise buildings, 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 regulations;
- consent of the tenants of a high-rise residential 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 penalized with a fine.
Penalties for smoking at the entrance
What punishment can a criminal receive for smoking cigarettes at the entrance of a multi-story residential building?
The law is quite strict and therefore provides very severe material punishment for heavy smokers for:
- the use of cigarettes on the stairs.
- smoking near playgrounds.
- Involvement of minors in the smoking process.
In addition, fines are also imposed on officials who are obliged to control the implementation of the adopted law.
The protection of public order is the sole responsibility of the police, and their employees impose a fine if this individual violates the law on the restriction of 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 out the cigarette, they should do the following:
- filming the offender's smoking process in the wrong place with 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 can confirm the veracity of your words and the authenticity of the photographic and video materials.
These measures will be enough to punish a negligent neighbor for failing to comply with the rules prescribed in the anti-smoking law.