Can I smoke on the stairs of a multi-story residential building? Similar questions are asked not only by smokers, but also by neighbors who are opposed to smoking. The Citizen's Health Protection Law, 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.
Main provisions of the smokefree 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 smoke from cigarettes negatively affects the health of people who do not suffer from nicotine addiction.
For what reasons was the law that prohibits the use of cigarettes in populated areas adopted?
The impetus for the adoption of anti-smoking measures at the state level was the terrifying statistics:
- More than 40% of people suffer from nicotine addiction;
- About 400, 000 citizens die annually due to the development of cancer and other diseases associated with smoking;
- Tobacco smoke negatively affects the health of passive smokers, causing cancer.
In connection with the above reasons, the Ministry of Health proposed the enactment of a legislative project banning smoking, at least in territories with spontaneous concentration of citizens:
- 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;
- commerce and domestic businesses;
- work areas and transport stops;
- sea ports and trains.
Obviously, for a heavy smoker, the list of prohibited places suitable for satisfying nicotine cravings is very long. Therefore, from time to time they still violate the law and commit illegal acts, for which they later assume administrative responsibility.
Is it possible to smoke at the entrance to a residential building?
According to the new law prohibiting smoking in public places, smoking is not allowed in the entrances. The entrance to a residential building is closed to smokers due to the lack of 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 smokefree bill specifies the following locations in apartment buildings where smoking is strictly prohibited:
- elevators and cellars;
- stairs and attics;
- technical rooms and corridors.
For non-compliance with the instructions, the smoker will be punished in the form of penalties.
To bring lawbreakers to justice, you need to write a corresponding statement to the police.
Exceptions to the rule
Fines for smoking at the entrance are not imposed in all cases.
Despite the points specified in the smoke-free law, smoking at entrances to tall buildings is still possible, 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 residential building to 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 punished with a fine.
Penalties for smoking at the entrance
What punishment can an offender face for smoking at the entrance to a multi-story residential building?
The law is quite strict and, therefore, provides very severe material punishments for radical 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 employees who are required to oversee the implementation of the approved law.
The protection of public order is entirely the responsibility of the police, and their officers impose a fine if they violate the law that restricts smoking and tobacco distribution.
How to punish offenders?
How to punish a smoker who uses tobacco products at the entrance?
If the person is not convinced by your insistent requests to throw away the cigarette, you need to do the following:
- filming the abuser's smoking process in the wrong place on a video camera or camera;
- write a statement to law enforcement agencies and provide video and photographic materials confirming the veracity of the statement;
- provide at least two witnesses who can 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 not following the rules prescribed in the smoke-free law.