Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Bulgarian Hoteliers Ask for Grace Period for Smoking Ban

Bulgaria's hoteliers and restaurateurs association urged on Tuesday for a grace period for the implementation of the recently adopted by the government law forbidding smoking at public places.

The association says that at least a year will be needed for the reconstruction of the hotels and the restaurants according to the law requirements. More than 80% of the Bulgarian restaurants won't be able to execute the needed reconstruction by January 1, 2005.

In the beginning of December the government decided to implement a strict law forbidding smoking at public places. The new amendments will take effect in January 2005.

Smoking will be absolutely banned at kindergartens, schools, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, galleries, and libraries as well as at different health institutions. All other places should have special rooms for smokers and non-smokers. The fines envisaged by law range from BGN 50 to BGN 100 and will be implemented to both smokers and owners of the places where the violation of law takes place.