Bulgaria Stamps out Smoking in 2009

18.09.2007

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.

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.

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