MOSCOW, November 28 - RAPSI. The anti-tobacco bill may be adopted in the first reading by the State Duma after the New Year as opposed to in December, Vice Speaker Igor Lebedev told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.

The Duma decided to closely consider the anti-tobacco bill in accordance with regulatory standards, so that the Constitutional Court will not be able to cancel the decision in the future.

Media reported on Wednesday that the bill's consideration may be postponed until January. However, the deputies earlier suggested that the legislative initiative may pass the first reading by the year's end. Duma Healthcare Committee head Sergei Kalashnikov accused tobacco lobbyists of procrastinating the law's approval.

In late October, the government submitted to the Duma a bill on prohibiting smoking in public places as of 2015.

The draft law proposes a ban on smoking in public places, such as common premises in residential buildings, long distance trains, railway station entrances, markets and restaurants. Additionally, street stalls will be prohibited from selling cigarettes and tobacco products. Only shops with an area greater than 50 square meters will be allowed to sell them, but they will not be able to display them openly.

Furthermore, minimum retail prices are expected to be set for all tobacco products. Selling cigarettes and tobacco products to individuals under 18 will also be prohibited.
The draft law proposes banning cigarette advertising as well, which will require the advertising law to be amended. In addition, graphic images of the effects of smoking will appear on cigarette packs in a year. The bill was finalized as per the government's instructions and agreed upon by all the departments concerned.

The draft law was put together by the Healthcare and Development Ministry and aims to meet the World Health Organization's recommendations.

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, Russia is the number-one tobacco consumer in the world. Some 43.9 million Russians smoke, or 39.1 percent of the population.

The Health Ministry says the restrictions will be imposed gradually.