Shopping centers in Nizhny Novgorod are terminating contracts with vape sellers.

      On May 8, 2026, at 10:13, Economy. Shopping centers in Nizhny Novgorod supported the initiative of the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Gleb Nikitin, to limit the spread of vapes. The management of two shopping centers announced their intention to terminate lease agreements with points of sale for such products ahead of schedule. After the departure of the tenants, it will be impossible to purchase smoking devices and liquids for them in these shopping centers. The decision to refuse cooperation with vape sellers was reported by the Oceanis shopping mall and the Cube shopping center. Deputy Director of Oceanis, Edgar Akopyan, noted that the decision is related to the desire to preserve the health of the region's residents, especially children and youth. In the coming months, contracts with several tenants selling vape products will be terminated. According to Akopyan, the shopping center views this step as a contribution to creating a safer environment for visitors. A similar position was taken by Cube. As reported by the leading marketer of the shopping center, Elena Belova, one of the two tenants in this category has already ceased operations, and the second will leave the site on June 1. The vacated premises are planned to be quickly handed over to a new tenant. The head of the region, Andrey Checherin, reminded that large-scale work to combat the spread of vapes among youth began in the region this spring. Last summer, the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, secretary of the regional branch of United Russia, Gleb Nikitin, during a working meeting in Sarov, proposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to limit the sale of vapes. The head of state supported the initiative, calling it timely and important for protecting the health of youth. At the federal level, the introduction of a ban on vapes in Russia has already been announced. According to Checherin, conscientious businesses can either wait for restrictions or already demonstrate social responsibility and support regional policy. At the same time, illegal trade, including the sale of products near educational institutions or to minors, will have consequences. Oversight of compliance with legislation is conducted by the prosecutor's office, Rospotrebnadzor, police, relevant ministries, and local government bodies. The regional Ministry of Industry and Trade is conducting explanatory work with trading entities. As Deputy Minister Elena Omelyanenko reminded, since September 2025, a public offer for voluntary self-restriction on the sale of vapes for entrepreneurs has been in effect in the region. "We are in constant dialogue with businesses: we hold meetings, explain the mechanism of the initiative, and help entrepreneurs correctly remove such products from their assortment," said Elena Omelyanenko. According to her, the initiative has already been supported by large retail chains, catering enterprises, specialized tobacco shops, and gas stations. A total of about 600 points of sale have removed vapes from circulation in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The regional Ministry of Education also reminded about the work of the "Anti-Vape" chatbot in the MAX messenger, through which residents can report the sale of vapes near educational institutions, as well as facts of underage smoking on school grounds. The department emphasized that all information is used solely for preventive work, and data confidentiality is guaranteed. Regional authorities note that quitting smoking and promoting a healthy lifestyle are part of the national project "Sustained and Active Life." NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.