MOSCOW, November 15 (RAPSI) - Fines for smoking in public places came in effect on Friday, Vyacheslav Timchenko, deputy head of United Russia's parliamentary faction, told journalists.

Smoking at the workplaces, in the territory of educational institutions, cultural establishments, sport and healthcare facilities, dwellings, railway stations and airports will be punished by a fine of 500 - 1.500 rubles ($46), Timchenko said.

According to the lawmaker, individuals will pay a fine from 3.000 ($92) to 5.000 rubles ($153), officials from 30.000 ($918) to 50.000 rubles ($1.530) and companies from 100.000 ($3.060) to 150.000 rubles ($4.590) for sale of tobacco products to minors.

Moreover, officials will pay a fine from 20.000 to 30.000 rubles, companies from 50.000 to 80.000 ($2.447) rubles for violating the rules of establishing and layout of special smoking areas.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning smoking in public places and tobacco advertising on February 25.

The law came into force on June 1, 2013, though some provisions will only become effective a year later. These include a ban on smoking at resorts, in long-distance trains, aircraft and long haul ships, on urban and commuter transport, less than 15 meters from the entrance of railway and metro stations and airports. June 1, 2014 will also be the date when smoking will be prohibited in hotels, cafes and restaurants, and on commuter platforms.

Under the law, tobacco companies are prohibited from holding lotteries and sponsoring festivals, and their correspondences with bodies of power are published.

Cigarettes have been removed from public view; stores are only be able to display a list of prices at the tills. The law also bans the sale of electronic cigarettes and naswar tobacco.