Can I smoke cigarettes in the stairwell of a multi-story apartment building? Similar questions are asked not only by smokers, but also by neighbors who refuse to smoke. The Citizens Health Protection Act, which bans smoking tobacco products in all public places, has seen some changes.
According to the changes in the law, smokers are prohibited from smoking cigarettes in multi-storey buildings.
Essential provisions of the Anti-Tobacco Act
Can you smoke cigarettes in the entrances and elevators of residential buildings? The law restricting smoking in public places is designed to protect the rights of non-smokers. Tobacco smog from cigarettes has a negative impact on the health of people who do not suffer from nicotine addiction.
What were the reasons for the law banning cigarettes in crowded areas?
The impetus for the adoption of tobacco control measures at the state level were the terrifying statistics:
- More than 40% of people suffer from nicotine addiction;
- Approximately 400, 000 citizens die each year from cancer and other smoking-related ailments;
- Tobacco smog has a negative impact on the health of passive smokers and provokes cancer.
In connection with the above reasons, the Ministry of Health proposed to enact a bill banning smoking, at least in the areas of spontaneous citizens' gatherings:
- at 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 transport;
- Commercial and household businesses;
- Work areas and transportation stops;
- Sea ports and trains.
Obviously, the list of forbidden places suitable to meet nicotine needs is quite long for a heavy smoker. As a result, from time to time they still break the law and commit illegal acts for which they are subsequently administrative responsibility.
Is it allowed to smoke in the entrance area of a residential building?
According to the new law prohibiting smoking in public places, you are not allowed to smoke cigarettes in the entrances. The entrance to a residential building is closed to smoking due to the lack of a 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 tobacco control project specifies the following locations in apartment buildings where smoking is strictly prohibited:
- Elevators and cellars;
- Stairwells and attics;
- Technical rooms and corridors.
Failure to follow the instructions will result in fines being imposed on the smoker.
To bring lawbreakers to justice, you need to write a statement to the police.
Exceptions to the rule
Fines for smoking at the entrance are not always imposed.
Despite the points mentioned in the Anti-Tobacco Act, smoking is still possible in the entrances of high-rise buildings, but only under certain conditions:
- 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 high-rise household to equip the "smoking room" at the entrance.
In all other cases, the smoker is responsible for smoking in the entrance. If the perpetrator is guilty, he will be punished with a fine.
Penalties for smoking at the entrance
What punishment can a perpetrator get if he smokes cigarettes in the entrance area of a multi-storey apartment building?
The law is quite strict and therefore provides very severe material penalties for hardcore smokers for:
- the use of cigarettes in the stairwells.
- Smoking near playgrounds.
- Involvement of minors in the smoking process.
In addition, fines are also imposed on officials who are obliged to monitor the implementation of the law passed.
The protection of public order is the sole responsibility of the police, whose employees impose a fine if that person breaks the law on smoking and tobacco sales.
How do you punish offenders?
How can you punish a smoker who consumes tobacco products at the entrance?
If the person is not convinced of your persistent prompts to throw away the cigarette, here's what you need to do:
- Filming the perpetrator's smoking process in the wrong place on a video camera or camera;
- Write a statement to law enforcement agencies and provide video and photo material to confirm the accuracy of the statement;
- Provide at least two witnesses who can confirm the truthfulness of your words and the authenticity of the photos and videos.
These measures are enough to punish a negligent neighbor for failing to comply with the provisions of the Anti-Tobacco Act.