Can I smoke indoors?
No. Since 2012 the Health Act has imposed a total ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and in workplaces, including ancillary and service rooms. The consent of the owner or the other guests does not override it, and indoor 'smoking rooms' are not permitted. The ban also covers some outdoor areas: the grounds of nurseries, schools, playgrounds and sports facilities during events. Terraces and balconies, as open spaces, are not covered — unless they are in fact enclosed. The fine for individuals is BGN 300–500 (≈€153–256), while the venue is sanctioned separately and far more heavily.
📋 The rules
- Total ban in all enclosed public places
- Ban applies in workplaces too
- Also banned near schools, nurseries and playgrounds
- Terraces and balconies (open) — not covered
- Fine for individuals: BGN 300–500, BGN 500–1,000 on repeat
🔓 Exceptions
- Open terraces and balconies — smoking is not banned
- Shisha indoors falls under the same ban
- Venues may not have an indoor "smoking room"
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Under art. 218 of the Health Act: individuals are fined BGN 300–500 (≈€153–256), and BGN 500–1,000 (≈€256–511) on a repeat. Sole traders face BGN 1,000–1,500 (BGN 1,500–3,000 on repeat), and legal entities BGN 3,000–5,000 (BGN 5,000–10,000 on repeat). The key point most people miss: the venue operator is liable too, not only the smoker — which is why bars have every incentive to stop you. Enforcement is by the Regional Health Inspectorate. Persistent breaches also expose the venue to administrative measures, including suspension of its operation.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I smoke in a bar or restaurant?
Not if the space is enclosed. The 2012 ban is total for all enclosed public places, including restaurants, bars, clubs and workplaces. The owner's consent, or that of the other guests, does not override it.
What about the terrace?
Yes. Terraces and balconies are open spaces and fall outside the ban. If the terrace is in fact enclosed — walls, roof and doors — it is treated as an indoor space and the ban applies.
What is the fine?
For individuals BGN 300–500 (≈€153–256), and BGN 500–1,000 on a repeat. The venue is fined separately and far more heavily — for legal entities up to BGN 5,000, and up to BGN 10,000 on a repeat.
Can a venue have a smoking room?
No. The law does not allow designated indoor smoking rooms in enclosed public places. Attempts to set aside a 'smoking room' or a 'ventilated hall' do not get round the ban and are sanctioned.
Does it cover shisha and e-cigarettes?
Shisha indoors falls under the ban. The regime for e-cigarettes is still being clarified, but venues generally apply the same rules and enforcement bodies treat them alike in enclosed public places.
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