Do you know when smoking was officially banned in Russia?
It might sound surprising but the first quit smoking program was launched in Russia in the 17th century. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich banned smoking on pain of death. But not because of harm to health, but because of the fire (it was thought that smoking caused a fire of Moscow in 1634).
The first mention of tobacco in Russia goes back to the end of the 16th century. It came to Russia following two ways: from the West - by visiting foreigners, and from the East – from China, since there are indications that, in Siberia, that people smoked tobacco delivered from China, known as the "ball".
Tobacco was legalized by Peter the Great. After his trip to Europe in 1690-s he returned home as a heavy smoker. It is noteworthy that according to Peter's decree of 1697 it was allowed to inhale and exhale tobacco only through the pipes.
Smoking was very popular throughout the 20th century and up to now we have a very high rate of smokers. (About 69% of men and 30% of women are smokers). It's still allowed to smoke in many public places but in most cafes and restaurants there're smoking and non-smoking areas. During youк
Moscow tours remember this fact while booking a table in a restaurant.
