550 Nizhny Novgorod stores have stopped selling vapes.

      On April 8, 2026, at 16:25, Economy In Bogorodsk, the operation of a vape sales point located less than 100 meters from a general education school has been terminated. The store operated in violation of the requirements of Article 19 of the Federal Law on the Protection of Citizens' Health from the Effects of Tobacco Smoke and Nicotine-Containing Products. The trading point's activities were halted by a court decision.

      As reported by the Deputy Governor of the region, Andrey Checherin, this spring, a large-scale effort has begun in the region to curb illegal retail trade in vapes. The initiative of Governor Gleb Nikitin to check entrepreneurs is being implemented with the support of the prosecutor's office and the regional office of Rospotrebnadzor. In cases where there is a court decision for closure, bailiffs are involved in the process.

      The main task of the interdepartmental work is to protect minors first and foremost and to reduce the spread of vapes among youth. According to medical assessments, the use of such devices poses serious health risks and can lead to both short-term and long-term consequences, including the risk of sudden death.

      Rospotrebnadzor reminded that the sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products closer than 100 meters from educational institutions entails administrative responsibility.

      As explained by the Deputy Head of the Consumer Rights Protection Department of the regional office of the agency, Elmira Goryunova, violators face fines for individuals, officials, and legal entities, and in cases of repeated violations, the sanctions are intensified. The agency can also seek to terminate the activities of trading points through the court.

      Andrey Checherin also urged entrepreneurs to comply with the legislation and noted that businesses can voluntarily refrain from selling vapes, especially in light of the preparation for federal restrictions.

      In turn, the Deputy Minister of Industry, Trade, and Entrepreneurship of the region, Elena Omelyanenko, reported that since September 2025, a public offer for self-restriction of sales of such products has been in effect in the region. The mechanism has received support from businesses: already 550 stores have excluded vapes and liquids for them from their assortment.

      A major retail chain with more than 40 points in Nizhny Novgorod has also joined the initiative. Company representative Arina Krainova noted that the decision to support the initiative was made quickly amid market saturation with counterfeit products and difficulties with regulation. According to her, the company expects the introduction of a federal ban and calls on other market participants to join the offer.

      Earlier, Governor Gleb Nikitin proposed to limit the sale of vapes at the federal level, addressing President Vladimir Putin during a working meeting in Sarov in August last year. The initiative received the support of the head of state.

      Reducing the prevalence of smoking and fostering a culture of healthy living are part of the national project "Long and Active Life."

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