In this article, we want to explain to fellow expats the situation in Bulgaria regarding the consumption and consequences of legal and illegal drug use. We will focus on legal drugs like alcohol and cigarettes and illegal ones as cannabis because its different from some other European countries legislation.
Drinking and smoking in Bulgaria are easy. Cigarettes are cheap, less than half the price of most other European countries (widely available and very much socially tolerated), and local beers, wines and spirits are also much cheaper than in other EU countries.
Here in this infographic we want to show you the reality of drugs consuption in Bulgaria as a public health problem.
drugs and alcohol ENLSmoking in Bulgaria
Smoking, unfortunately, is almost like a national sport in Bulgaria, Some 35% of Bulgarians smoke. And they start smoking before they become 18 years old which is the minimum age that by law they are allowed to smoke.
Since June 2012, you may not smoke indoors in any public place in Bulgaria: including pubs, restaurants, clubs, your place of work, music venues, etc, unfortunately, this ban isn’t always respected especially in bars and clubs since many times business owners will prefer to pay the fine, then losing clients by stop people from smoke inside, then dont be surprised if you enter in a club at night and you see ashtrays on the table and people smoking cigarretes.
E-cigarettes are regulated in Bulgaria, sale ans supply to minors (under 18 years) is forbidden. And there are restrictions on e-cigarette advertising (e.g. audiovisual commercial advertising is prohibited).
There are restrictions on the supply and sale of e-cigarettes in certain public places (e.g. premises of nurseries and kindergarten, schools, dormitories, hospitals, etc.).
Drug use in Bulgaria
On the other side of the coin, Bulgaria is extremely strict on illegal drugs. Cannabis is placed in the highest risk category for illegal narcotics, and possession of even a small amount could well land you in jail. Cigarettes and alcohol are not included in the list.
Drug use itself is penalized as an administrative offense for high-risk drugs (List 1) and a fine of between BGN 2 000 (EUR 1 023) and BGN 5 000 (EUR 2 257) can be imposed. Minor cases of possession that were prosecuted under the Penal Code can be settled with a fine of up to BGN 1 000 (EUR 511); otherwise, possession of any drug is punished by one to six years’ imprisonment for high-risk substances and by up to five years’ imprisonment in the case of moderate-risk substances.
Cannabis remains the most frequently used substance among the adult general population aged 15-64 years in Bulgaria. In general, illicit drug use is concentrated among young people aged 15-34 years.
Alcohol consumption
Bulgaria does not have a minimum age for the consumption of alcohol in private, but you do have to be 18 years old to buy it. Minors will often be allowed to drink in a restaurant or pub if accompanied by an adult.
Every family who owns a piece of land is likely to brew their own wine. Or rakia, a grape-based drink that is consumed in shots and can contain up to 50% of alcohol. Since some years the EU is trying to ban the illegal home breweries in Bulgaria. They want people to apply and pay for licenses, but they are having a hard time. Producing a home-made drink is part of the culture. It serves as a source of pride to the families.
For some reason or another, alcohol is cheaper than food. It poses a big threat to the Bulgarian society and it’s legal.
In Bulgaria, the drinking limit is virtually zero tolerance and you could be fined for having a blood alcohol limit of as little as .05. You should avoid drinking and driving at all costs. When driving in Bulgaria you should have a copy of your passport, domestic driver license or international driving permit, car registration card, annual technical inspection card, third-party liability insurance
