Sat, Nov 21 2009

Smoking in public places banned from June 2010

Thu, Apr 09 2009 14:10 CET byPetar Kostadinov 3330 Views 4 Comments
Smoking in public places banned from June 2010

Photo: Nikolai Doichinov

Parliament has approved Cabinet's proposal for a ban on smoking in public places and workplaces in Bulgaria as of June 1 2010.

Cabinet's amendments to the Public Health Act were put forward by the Cabinet on November 20 2008, world non-smoking day.

Bulgaria has always topped the ranking of countries with the highest number of smokers, but, as experts have warned for decades, passive smoking is much more of a serious problem. Several years ago, the Government forced owners of coffee shops and restaurants to have sections reserved for smokers and non-smokers, but this has failed to lead to an improvement because smokers and non-smokers often find themselves sharing tables just a metre away from each another. Parents of young children, in particular, have often complained that a fog of cigarette smoke prevents them from taking children into the interior of restaurants.  

A survey released in October among 2200 high school students in Sofia found that 60 per cent smoked. The survey, carried out by MBMD polling agency at the request of the Sofia city hall, found that most students started smoking at the age of 16.

On October 27 2008, Croatia enforced a ban on smoking in public institutions and workplaces with a six-month grace period for restaurants and bars to comply. Breaking the law will carry huge fines, up to 21 000 euro for proprietors of venues where the ban is broken. Individuals who light up where smoking is forbidden will also face hefty fines.

On November 8 2008, the Greek parliament approved a ban on smoking in public places, including all restaurants, bars and public transport, from January 1 2010. Greece provided for a 300 euro fine for lighting up in an area where smoking is forbidden.

In Bulgaria's case the amount of the fine has not yet been stipulated.

Comments

Anonymous Kuhn Thu, Aug 13 2009 22:44 CET
Inappropriate comment?

Who's going to police the "public places" and enforce the law. Oh, and by the way, outside seating areas are public places too! NO SMOKING ON THE TERRACETA!

Anonymous tayan Thu, Jun 25 2009 11:34 CET

This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained .

Anonymous Lee Tue, Apr 28 2009 15:14 CET
Inappropriate comment?

There is NO evidence regarding ill health and passive smoking. Bulgaria should have left the decision to the establishment owner.

Anonymous lee_tzu Sat, Apr 11 2009 16:59 CET

This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained .

Anonymous cured jacket in a restaurant Fri, Apr 10 2009 09:51 CET
Inappropriate comment?

Another law put in place.
Will it be another one proving the lack of execution in Bulgaria?
I feel like.
One more question:
Why summer 2010 and not 2009?

Anonymous left of center Fri, Apr 10 2009 09:19 CET
Inappropriate comment?

Another law for the general masses to ignore. Maybe the fine should be a pack of cigarettes to be given to the poor at Christmas time.

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