In an attempt to stamp out smoking in the world’s second- biggest tobacco market, Russia this week submitted a law to parliament that would prohibit cigarette sales at the nation’s 175,000 kiosks and small shops. The rule is part of an anti- smoking effort that would outlaw tobacco advertising as soon as the law is passed -- possibly by yearend -- and bar smoking in public places from 2015.

An earlier law blocking the sale of beer at kiosks will come into effect on Jan. 1, 17 years after a similar rule for vodka.

Kiosk owners say the new regulations will put as many as 1 million people out of work and threaten an industry created from communism’s collapse as entrepreneurs scrambled to sell newly available goods.

Source: Bloomberg