Bulgaria Faces Legal Complexities as Court Nullifies Indoor Smoking Fine for Tobacco Heating Devices

In response to a Sofia District Court decision that invalidated a fine for smoking indoors using a tobacco heating device, an urgent ordinance reform is ongoing to avoid perceived smoking-related double standards. The court decision sparked a broader debate about outmoded health legislation set in 2012, before the introduction of smokeless and electronic devices. While the judgment prohibits indoor smoking, there are requests for legislative changes to manage developing tobacco products. The Ministry of Health intends to propose adjustments affecting mass-market devices, which are welcomed by anti-smoking groups. Bulgaria's high smoking rates highlight the need for updated rules to reflect shifting tobacco use techniques.