Bulgaria Awaits Decisive Vote on Full Smoking Ban

Health | May 16, 2012, Wednesday // 08:45|  views

Bulgarians are some of the heaviest smokers in Europe, surpassed only by people in neighboring Greece. File photo

A full smoking ban in closed public spaces is expected to be passed at second reading in the Bulgarian Parliament on Wednesday.

The ban is to come into force on June 1. Smoking will be abolished in bars, working places, school yards, playgrounds and outdoor school events.

The parliamentary health committee mulled introducing a smoking ban in stadiums and at bus stops. However, the majority of lawmakers decided the move was not necessary.

The full smoking ban in closed public spaces 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 latest data, approximately 39% of Bulgarians are smokers. Some 60% are said to be in favor of the introduction of a full smoking ban in closed public spaces.

Bulgarian hotel and restaurant owners believe that the turnover of the country's food and drink establishments will go down by BGN 300 M after the full smoking ban becomes effective.

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Tags: ban, smoking, Bulgaria, bars, full smoking ban

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