Can I smoke cigarettes on the stairs of a multi-storey apartment building? Similar questions are asked not only by smokers, but also by neighbors who oppose smoking. The Law on the Protection of Citizens' Health, which prohibits smoking tobacco products in all public places, has undergone certain changes.
According to the amendments, smokers are prohibited from smoking cigarettes in multi-storey buildings.
Key provisions of the anti-tobacco law
Is it possible to smoke cigarettes in the entrances and elevators of apartment buildings? The law, which imposes restrictions on smoking in public places, aims to protect the rights of non-smokers. Tobacco smog from cigarettes negatively affects the health of people who do not suffer from nicotine addiction.
For what reasons was a law passed banning the use of cigarettes in crowds?
The impetus for the adoption of tobacco measures at the state level was a frightening statistic:
- More than 40% of people suffer from nicotine addiction;
- About 400, 000 citizens die each year from the development of cancer and other smoking-related diseases;
- Tobacco smog negatively affects the health of passive smokers causing cancer.
In connection with the above reasons, the Ministry of Health has proposed the adoption of a draft law banning smoking, at least in the territories of spontaneous gatherings of citizens:
- at universities and schools;
- playgrounds and sports fields;
- cafes and hotels;
- airports and railway stations;
- aprons and parking lots;
- government agencies and hospitals;
- air and land transport;
- trade and household enterprises;
- work areas and transport stops;
- seaports and trains.
Obviously, for heavy smokers, the list of forbidden places suitable for meeting the needs for nicotine is quite large. Therefore, from time to time they continue to violate the law and commit illegal acts, for which they subsequently bear administrative responsibility.
Is it possible to smoke at the entrance to the apartment building?
Under the new law banning smoking in public places, you cannot use cigarettes at entrances. The entrance to the residential building is closed for smoking due to the lack of a ventilation system. For that reason, the use of tobacco products on stairs and stairs is prohibited.
In order to protect the health of citizens who do not suffer from nicotine addiction, the anti-tobacco project has identified the following places in residential buildings where smoking is strictly prohibited:
- elevators and basements;
- staircases and attics;
- technical rooms and corridors.
For non-compliance with the instructions, the smoker will be fined.
To bring lawbreakers to justice, you must write an appropriate statement to the police.
Exceptions to the rules
Penalties for smoking at the entrance are not imposed in all cases.
Despite the points stated in the law against tobacco, smoking in the entrances of 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 smoking areas with fire protection standards;
- the consent of the occupants of the high-rise apartment building to the "smoking room" equipment at the entrance.
In all other cases the smoker is responsible for smoking at the entrance. If the perpetrator is guilty, he will be fined.
Penalties for smoking at the entrance
What punishment can the perpetrator suffer for smoking cigarettes at the entrance to a multi-storey residential building?
The law is quite strict and therefore provides for very severe material penalties for die-hard smokers for:
- use of cigarettes on the stairs.
- smoking near the playground.
- involving minors in the smoking process.
In addition, fines are imposed on officials who are required to monitor the implementation of the adopted law.
The protection of public order and peace is entirely the responsibility of the police, and employees impose a fine if they violate the law banning smoking and tobacco distribution.
How to punish criminals?
How can you punish a smoker who uses tobacco products at the entrance?
If the person is not convinced by your persistent demands to throw away the cigarette, you must do the following:
- recording the perpetrator's smoking process in the wrong place with a video camera or camcorder;
- write a statement to law enforcement agencies and submit video and photographic materials confirming the veracity of the testimony;
- provide at least two witnesses who could confirm the truth of your words and the authenticity of the photo and video material.
These measures will be sufficient to punish an unscrupulous neighbor for non-compliance with the rules prescribed by anti-tobacco law.