Parliament approved a national strategy for limiting smoking in the period from 2007 to 2010.

The strategy aims to take down the number of smokers, especially among younger Bulgarians. It will also make use of information campaigns on the negative effects of smoking and will try to limit the illegal trade of tobacco products.

By 2010 Bulgaria will try to decrease the number of smokers by 10 per cent, as compared to the 2007 levels.

Anti-smoking measures in public places and offices will be enforced. School students will be informed about the problems related to smoking. Parliament will also try to limit the chances for younger people to purchase tobacco products.

On February 1 National Assembly members, however, failed accepting a complete ban on smoking in public places.

The Health Ministry suggested the complete ban.  Health Minister Radoslav Gaidarski said that polls showed the majority of people were in favour of complete smoking ban at the work place, in clubs, bars and restaurants.