Bulgaria Stamps out Smoking in 2009

Society | September 18, 2007, Tuesday // 00:00
Bulgaria: Bulgaria Stamps out Smoking in 2009 Smokers in Bulgaria say the introduction of a total ban is a draconian measure. The country has been one of Europe's havens for smokers as governments increasingly clamp down on smoking in public places. Photo by Nadya Kotseva (Sofia Photo Agency)

A total ban on smoking in enclosed public places will come into effect in Bulgaria in 2009 at the earliest, health officials said.

A one-year grace period will be granted to businesses managing restaurants and disco clubs to make the necessary changes and meet the tobacco-free requirement.

The ban currently covers public transport, taxicabs, cinema halls, offices, as well as non-smoking areas in restaurants and bars, but it is more often broken than observed.

Health officials claim a total ban would protect everyone from passive smoking, but opponents perceive the measure as draconian.

The government plans to open a smoking cessation hotline for all those who want to quit smoking and increase the excise tax on cigarettes as early as 2008 in a bid to reduce demand.

The measures are included in a national program for combating smoking for the period 2007-2010.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!

Society » Be a reporter: Write and send your article

Advertisement
Advertisement
Bulgaria news Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) is unique with being a real time news provider in English that informs its readers about the latest Bulgarian news. The editorial staff also publishes a daily online newspaper "Sofia Morning News." Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) and Sofia Morning News publish the latest economic, political and cultural news that take place in Bulgaria. Foreign media analysis on Bulgaria and World News in Brief are also part of the web site and the online newspaper. News Bulgaria