site.btaGERB-UDF Submits Bills for Complete Ban on Vapes, Sale of Energy Drinks to Under-18s

GERB-UDF are submitting bills for a complete ban on the marketing, including the import, trade, sale, supply and distribution in retail outlets or online of electronic cigarettes (vapes) for single or multiple use, whether or not they contain nicotine, on the territory of Bulgaria, said Kostadin Angelov, Deputy Floor Leader of GERB-UDF parliamentary group. In addition, the GERB-UDF will submit a bill for a complete ban on the sale, supply and distribution in retail outlets or online of energy drinks and substances to children under 18.

"The motives for these two bills are clear. I do not think we need to see any more reports of children dying. The bills will be introduced by the end of the work day", Angelov said. He clarified that it is only about vapes.

"I think all parliamentary groups would support these bills", he added, stating that the bills will be submitted by the end of Friday.

Angelov explained that after the adoption of these two bills, they will also work on amendments to the Penal Code to regulate the offences related to the bills' bans on vapes and energy drinks. Angelov specified that the institutions that will be able to monitor the implementation of the bans are all subordinate to the Ministry of Interior. This battle will be difficult, this battle will be big, but the result of this battle will be the health and life of Bulgarian children, Angelov added.

Regarding the sale of energy drinks, Angelov clarified that one option is to buy them by presenting an ID card in large retail chains. He said a ban on their sale online would most likely be imposed. In an online environment, it is very difficult to create an age control mechanism, but if such a mechanism is proposed, it is subject to discussion. "The battle will be difficult, it will be big, as we realize that we are facing powerful corporations", Angelov added. 

He was adamant that energy drinks could not be offered, advertised, distributed, sold or consumed by children under 18 in public places. "I think we have the support of all Bulgarians and all parliamentary groups would support these bills, I don't think we need to convince anyone of their necessity", he stressed.