Smoking Ban Breaches Fetch BGN 185 000 to Bulgaria in 7 Months

A total of 392 penal rulings worth BGN 184 700 have been issued in the period June-December 2012 for violations of the full smoking ban in indoor public places.

The full smoking ban in enclosed public places took effect on June 1, 2012.

During the seven-month period, regional health inspectorates conducted a total of 128 698 daytime and nighttime inspections of 123 316 site in the country, including on working and non-working days.

The authorities issued 1698 letters of instruction and drew up 511 statements of offence.

In December 2012, inspectors conducted 11 960 checks and issued 33 letters of instruction, 113 statements of offence and 148 penal rulings worth a total of BGN 80 400.

During the seven-month period, inspectors checked 22 088 food and entertainment spots, 11 987 schools, and 28 701 hospitals.

Most of the fines were imposed to cafes, bars, restaurants, gaming spots, and casinos.

Health inspectors also imposed fines for smoking in enclosed workplaces.

Bulgaria's Health Ministry has vowed to continue to monitor the implementation of the smoking ban with increased support from NGOs which will have representatives in the teams of inspectors.