November 3, 2010 - Smoking restrictions in public spaces in Bulgaria are going to become effective in the beginning of 2011, according to amendments of the Health Act, dating from the beginning of 2010. The cabinet approved Wednesday, Novenber 3rd the Health Ministry's order about rules for indoor smoking in public and work spaces.
The previous, Socialist-led Three-Way Coalition cabinet passed a full smoking ban that was to become effective on July 1, 2010, but it was postponed by the current cabinet of the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party.
Background:
May 22, 2010 - Bulgaria - WHO upset with Bulgaria's weakened smoking ban..;
May 22, 2010 - Bulgaria - weakened smoking ban, just added minors can't be in disco clubs after 10pm..;
May 21, 2010 - Bulgaria - final vote delayed on weakened smoking ban..;
May 15, 2010 - Bulgaria - commission tightens smoking ban a little..;
April 30, 2010 - Bulgaria - to loosen smoking ban to start June 1, 2010...
Smoking spaces inside restaurants, coffee shops and bars, in commercial and administrative buildings and in railroad stations, and airports, must have walls and tight-closing doors and good ventilation equipment. Owners of coffee shops and restaurants with less than 50 square meters have the right to decide themselves if the establishment will be a smoking or entirely non-smoking space. 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. In larger establishments, at least 50% of the space must be dedicated to non-smokers. In night clubs, smoking will be allowed at all times regardless of how large they are.
After January 1, 2011, open-space coffee shops and restaurants inside shopping malls would become non-smoking facilities. Owners face fines for inadequate ventilation and lack of sings designating the non-smoking sections and the smoking ban for those under 18. The checks of health inspectors will begin as soon as the new rules become effective. Fines for owners range from BGN 500 (361.28 USD) to BGN 10 000 (7,226.04 USD). Individuals, who violate the ban, would also face fines, but only if they agree to provide their ID card.
Reference: Bulgarian Cabinet Approves Indoors Smoking Restrictions, Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency), 11/3/2010.
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