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.