Putin signs Russia smoking ban

Smoking in public places will be banned in Russia after President Vladimir Putin signed a tough new bill into law.
Under the new legislation, smoking in restaurants, long-distance trains and housing block entrance halls will be illegal. The government has made reducing smoking one of the cornerstones of its bid to improve public health.
Russia has one of the highest smoking rates in the world, with more than four in 10 Russians considered smokers. Parliament passed the bill earlier in February, with only one deputy in the State Duma voting against the legislation.