Bulgarian EconMin Defies PM, Endorses 'Flexible' Smoking

Bulgarian Economy Minister Delyan Dobrev has stated that more "flexible" rules should be introduced in the country when it comes to smoking in enclosed public spaces.

Even though Dobrev has backed the abolishment of the full smoking ban, he has also rejected the proposed reinstatement of segregated smoking areas in establishments.

More flexible rules should be established instead, he told Nova TV on Tuesday.

"As far as I know, the Parliamentary committee on economic affairs has some fresh ideas," the Minister said.

Bulgaria's Parliamentary Economic Committee will vote Tuesday at a closed-doors session on the abolition of the full indoor smoking ban.

The proposal was put forth by MPs from center-right ruling party GERB between the first and second reading of the new Tourism Act.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov declared Saturday that GERB was totally against the abolition of the full indoor smoking ban despite the fact that he had suggested one week earlier that smoking could be allowed in bars and restaurants after 10 p.m.

Borisov went so far as to declare he would "file his resignation" if the full smoking ban was lifted.

Despite Borisov's warning, the initiators of the legal amendments did not withdraw them.

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