A Sofia-based bar has been fined BGN 10 000 for breaching the smoking ban in indoor public spaces.

The owner of the bar had to pay the fine over systematic breaches of the full smoking ban in enclosed public spaces, according to reports of TV7.

The site was issued eight statements of offence for a period of less than six months, with health inspectors saying that the owner preferred to pay fines and keep the customers satisfied.

According to data or Bulgaria's Health Ministry, as cited by the Bulgarian National Radio, the southern city of Plovdiv scores the highest number of violations of the indoor smoking ban.

Since July 1, 2012, the Plovdiv Regional Health Inspectorate has conducted 6273 inspections and issued 148 statements of offence.

According to reports of monitor.bg, Bulgarians submitted over 1340 tip-offs for breaches of the indoor smoking ban in a period of less than four months.

According to data of the Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate, over 120 000 surprise checks have been conducted since the introduction of the ban on June 1, 2012, and the authorities have issued around 2000 letters of instructions and over 400 statements of offence worth a total of over BGN 120 000.

Natural persons face a fine of BGN 300 for smoking in indoor public places, while legal persons face a penalty of BGN 3000 for a first-time offence and a fine of up to BGN 10 000 for repeat offences.

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