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Kyiv, July 25 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Since the start of the current year, 28,000 people have been fined for smoking in no-smoking places, which is 20% up year-over-year.

The department for PR and international activities at Ukraine's Interior Ministry reported that in 2008 38,000 protocols were filled up for violation of a ban on smoking.

The law on amendments to the law on measures to prevent and cut tobacco consumption and their harmful influence on public's health signed by Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko, violators are people, who move with lit cigarettes or pipes in healthcare, educational, sports and cultural objects, passenger waiting rooms at railway, bus stations and airport buildings, trains, taxi, public transport, elevators and playgrounds.

Fines amount for 3-10 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (from UAH 51 to UAH 171), and in case of repeated fining - for up to 20 non-taxable minimum incomes (up to UAH 340).