MOSCOW, October 25 (RAPSI/RIA Novosti) – A court in Moscow region will next week being hearing a lawsuit filed by transportation authorities seeking the closure of smoking rooms in one of the country’s major airports, officials said Friday.
A Khimki city court official said prosecutors decided to take action after Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport set up dedicated areas for smoking in two of its terminals.
Prosecutors are asking the rooms be closed within ten days of a court ruling. Hearings are due to start October 29.
President Vladimir Putin earlier this year approved a law banning smoking in public places as part of a series of measures aimed at boosting health standards in the country.
The public places affected include government buildings, healthcare and educational facilities, cultural sites, sports stadiums and public transport. Some elements, including a total ban on smoking in restaurants, trains and hotels, are set to come into effect next year.
Dmitry Vyatkin, deputy head of the State Duma’s constitutional committee, said Friday he approved of smoking zones in airports and train stations as they would ensure people would avoid breaking the law.
“We should give those citizens that have unfortunately been unable to rid themselves of this dangerous habit the chance to abide by the law without harming those around them,” he told RIA Novosti.
Vyatkin, a lawmaker with the ruling United Russia party, said a group of deputies had presented a draft bill in parliament to allow for the creation of dedicated smoking areas in transportation hubs.
