Russian government proposes tobacco ad ban

Russia's Cabinet on Thursday called for a total ban on tobacco advertising in the country, where smoking is one of the worst public health problems, The AP  reported. The Cabinet approved a draft law which, if accepted by the parliament, would allow Russia to ratify the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. All signatories to that pact are obliged to ban all tobacco advertising and tobacco company sponsorships of events within five years of signing.

Russia's main public health agency, Rospotrebnadzor, said last year that more than 60% of Russian men and 30% of its women are smokers.

There were no immediate indications of when the proposed law would be sent to the parliament nor how soon the ban might take effect. The Cabinet's press office declined to comment on reports by the RIA-Novosti, Interfax and ITAR-Tass news agencies that the draft law had been approved. Have an opinion on this article? Post your comment below.

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