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Tue, Feb 09 2010
Smokers forced to stub it out in public areas
Photo: Wikipedia
Parliament formally adopted a law on Friday May 15 extending a smoking ban to all indoor areas.
The new legislation was fiercely contested by both sides of the dispute. More than 40 percent of Bulgaria's 7.6 million population are believed to smoke.The ban, which takes effect June 1, 2010, is part of an anti-smoking government strategy that includes price hikes on cigarettes and media campaigns.
Smoking was banned in administrative buildings and on public transport in 2005. Restaurant and bar owners were obliged to provide nonsmoking areas, but smokers largely ignored the restrictions.
Some bar and restaurant owners fear the new ban will scare away customers and undermine their businesses.
The new legislation was fiercely contested by both sides of the dispute. More than 40 percent of Bulgaria's 7.6 million population are believed to smoke.The ban, which takes effect June 1, 2010, is part of an anti-smoking government strategy that includes price hikes on cigarettes and media campaigns.
Smoking was banned in administrative buildings and on public transport in 2005. Restaurant and bar owners were obliged to provide nonsmoking areas, but smokers largely ignored the restrictions.
Some bar and restaurant owners fear the new ban will scare away customers and undermine their businesses.
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This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained
Absolutely FABULOUS news. I loved being able to go out in the UK and not having to come home with my clothes all stinky from sitting amongst smokers all night. I love Bulgaria, its a great place to live, but the only negative I had was that when I go out, I come home with my clothes smelling of smoke. So roll on June 1st 2010. Cant come fast enough for me.
As a non-smoker I am so happy about this-as I was when it was introduced in England.. great to see progress.! I can't wait to go into a cafe or restaurant and be able to breathe clean air in Bulgaria and not have to put up with foul smelling smoke, and overflowing ashtrays next to food.
110% in favour.
What's more important, some time unemployed or premature and painfull death?
John Jo is right... save our children from the curse of smoke.
Why should bar and restaurant workers be forced to risk their health?
Remember when mines were shut in the UK... pickets etc. Unemployment was sad but think of the lives saved in the long run.
We need saving from ourselves.. and this ban will be the best thing ever for Bulgaria. And yes smokers will adjust quicker than thought possible. We hate change but this change will be truly a remarkable one IF (a big if) the ban is enforced.
This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained
am a non smoker visit bulgaria often it will kill trade and buisness as it as in england should be inside
restauants only.
oh! oh! here comes 'big brother' to bulgaria. why dont you let people make their own minds up?
@Jett
Maybe along with higher prices it will just make more people quit. I don't think this will necessarily mean job loses ... people enjoy going out and meeting other people ... smoking is not necessarily part of the experience.
As a former smoker and psychotherapist I can say Bulgarians smoke because they're unhappy on a mass scale. For thousands smoking represents the only relief in/from their lives. This applies to all the addictions by the way. With the level of welfare increasing people drop the addictions naturally. But only under such circumstances. Secondary factors like "will" and "rationality" don't make difference at all. When deprived of their remedy miserable people only become more miserable and even insane.
I'm not saying the measures shouldn't be taken to limit smoking, I'm just warning that it WILL have its sociopsychological price.
This is a long time coming i am sick and tired of having to breath other peoples smoke while i am out in a restuarant with my children if adults do not smoke in front of there children perhaps they will not take up this disgusting habit.
The government as usual is a ass, this will cause 20 to 30 % of pubs clubs and 30 to 40 % of restraints to close, plus more people unemployed claiming benefit, loss of tax revenue and medical insurance payments, Do the same as the French and jest ignore it