Modern anti-tobacco laws in Russia contain many contradictions and cause mixed feelings among the population. Lovers of smoke complain about the infringement of freedom of choice regarding bad habits, categorical opponents of tobacco rejoice that the air becomes cleaner. And yet there are many unclear points, for example, not everyone knows whether it is possible to smoke on the balcony or not.
Is there a problem?
At first glance, the problem may seem far-fetched, because the loggia is a logical continuation of the apartment, and on our territory we are used to doing anything. For many, this room is used instead of a pantry or for household needs, while other owners, on the contrary, prefer to arrange a recreation area or even arrange an additional room. But do not forget that in Russian houses of the old type, loggias often have a small area and are too close to each other. Will each owner like that the neighbors smoke on the balcony? And it's not just about personal attitude to the smell of cigarettes. The balcony located next to the smokers' loggia may belong to a person with respiratory diseases or to a family with small children, which means that it is already a question of harm to the health of others.
What does the letter of the law say?
Unambiguously answer the question of whether it is possible to smoke on the balcony of your apartment or not, modern anti-smoking laws can not. There is a list of places in which it is forbidden to smoke - these are municipal institutions, common premises of apartment buildings (to which the loggias do not belong) and other objects. The balcony is a private property, and the owner is free to do there whatever he wants. There is a reservation that all actions of the owner should not interfere with neighbors. In order to prove harm from smoking neighbors, it is necessary to contact the housing and communal services, and then attract a local. But what result can be achieved by acting on this scheme? Most likely, fans of a smoke will receive only a warning. It is extremely difficult to even be fined for any acts carried out by the owner on his territory. Therefore, you can smoke on the balcony or loggia, but you can’t smoke in the stairwell.
Neighbors smoke - how to solve this problem?
The easiest and most rational way is to try to agree. Russia's problem is not that the legislation does not clearly state where to smoke and where not to, but that citizens lack elementary respect for each other. It is possible to decide whether or not to smoke on the balcony at the level of self-government at home. However, be prepared for the fact that not all residents will follow these rules. If you wish, you can try to equip the real smoking rooms on the stairs between floors, putting old furniture and ashtrays there. If the neighbors do not contact you and continue to smoke, try complaining. But do not forget that many people know the answer to the question of whether it is possible to smoke on the balcony, and even if they are not sure, they prefer to answer in the affirmative. Do not waste time quarreling with your neighbors, try to state your requirements and wishes as specifically as possible. Behave with dignity even if you are openly rude.
