Tobacco control

Legislation prohibiting the sale of alcohol and tobacco products to minors is a typical example of laws that have been passed and never properly implemented, with no consequences for those who - systematically and often quite openly - flaunt the ban.

The European Commission has proposed extending smoking bans in the EU to include open public spaces. This recommendation is designed to enhance protection against "passive smoking," according to BTA.

The European Commission is considering banning smoking in outdoor areas such as café terraces, bus stops, and zoos. This potential move aims to further restrict smoking in Europe, following the example of countries that have already implemented strict measures. Experts say this is part of a broader effort to protect public health.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today that he wants to introduce new measures in the fight against smoking, which, according to media reports, could include a ban on smoking in outdoor areas of restaurants and football stadiums.

Bulgaria has the lowest excise tax on cigarettes in the European Union, with a rate of just 1.92 euros per pack of 20 cigarettes. This contrasts sharply with Ireland, where the highest excise duty is imposed at 9.92 euros per pack, followed by the Netherlands at 7.66 euros and France at 7.45 euros.

The National Transparecy Authority launched the website 1142.aead.gr on Monday for citizens to report violations of anti-smoking legislation. 

Citizens will be able to submit their reports for free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will also be able to submit complains through the 1142 phone line, which operates from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

Bulgarian customs officials intercepted a clandestine smuggling operation involving over 3,000 packs of cigarettes ingeniously concealed within loaves of bread near the Danube Bridge in Vidin.

As concerns over public health continue to mount, Parliament is deliberating on proposed amendments to the Health Act aimed at cracking down on indoor smoking, encompassing all smoking products, including non-tobacco alternatives and hookahs.

Police in the northern port city of Thessaloniki have arrested three men suspected of running a large-scale tobacco racket after seizing thousands of packets of contraband cigarettes.

Slim cigarettes are no longer available in Slovenian stores after health inspectors found the packaging was not in line with the relevant EU directive. Smokers are upset and confused, writes the newspaper Delo.

The directive states that the health warning labels must be at least twenty millimetres wide, which is a requirement that slim cigarette packs did not meet.