MOSCOW, July 3 (RAPSI) - President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that bans shooting firearms in public places, the Kremlin press office reports on Wednesday.

As earlier reported, the new law, approved by the Federation Council on June 26, calls for a fine of 40,000 rubles ($1,210) to 50,000 rubles ($1,520) or the suspension of an individuals permit to buy and store firearms for 18 months to three years for shooting anywhere other than at shooting ranges. In addition, those guilty will have their weapons and ammunition confiscated.

The initiative was triggered by a high-profile case involving a shooting in central Moscow on Sept. 30, 2012, where participants in a wedding procession, led by a Ferrari and followed by other luxury vehicles, were reported to have fired non-lethal guns into the air while the cars blocked traffic.

Those involved later claimed that it is a Dagestani cultural tradition to shoot guns in the air during celebrations. Fifteen wedding participants were detained and released after police reports were filed. One person was detained for 15 days for firing a weapon and also paid a 2,000 ruble ($65) fine.

The case was followed by several similar incidents.