63% of Bulgarians Back Full Smoking Ban

A total of 63% of Bulgarians are in favor of the introduction of a full smoking ban in all public places, according to 2008 data freshly provided by the country's Health Ministry.

80% of the Bulgarian non-smokers favor the ban, and support is very high University graduates and people over 55. On the contrary, a mere 37% of non-smokers would like the idea.

The Health Ministry's proposed ban on tobacco commercials is generally well backed in the Bulgarian society, with 55% of non-smokers and 41% of smokers in favor.

A 5% decrease has been registered in the number of smokers aged 13-15, from 33.1% in 2002 to 28.2% in 2002.

A full smoking ban is to be introduced in Bulgaria on June 1 2012, the country's Health Minister, Stefan Konstantinov announced recently.

In the beginning of January 2011, Bulgoria's Prime Minister Boyko Borisov endorsed the idea of a full smoking ban in bars and caffes until 11:30 PM. Such a measure was to be enforced in 2010, but was postponed by the government with the argument that it might harm the country's tourism.

According to the current restrictions that entered into effect on December 19, 2010, indoor smoking in restaurants, clubs, bars, hotels, railroad stations, airports, malls, offices and schools is allowed only in separate spaces with closing doors.

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