In the summer of 2011, full smoking ban in Bulgaria might come into force for public places of less than 50 square meters.

The new proposal was discussed Tuesday at a meeting between the Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov, Health Minister, Stefan Konstantinov, the Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Desislava Atanasova, representatives of the Economy Ministry, the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, and the Trade Association of Restaurants in Sofia.

The proposal is yet to be discussed by the ruling party GERB and then voted in the parliament.

The Health Ministry has announced that the reasons for the change aim at improving the healthy living environment in the country and at elimination of unequal working conditions for the business in Bulgaria.

A smoking ban in public places came into force in Bulgaria at the end of December. The requirements will affect all smoking spaces inside commercial and administrative buildings, railroad stations and airports as well.

Owners of coffee shops and restaurants with less than 50 square meters have the right to decide whether smoking would be allowed. In case smoking is allowed, individuals under the age of 18 would not be admitted as they are banned from smoking in all indoors spaces.

The decision on the introduction date for the full smoking ban in Bulgaria will be made in 2012. 

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