Greek Authorities to Tighten Alcohol Laws After Student Poisoning Incidents

A recent poisoning incident involving students has prompted Greek authorities to reconsider the legal framework surrounding alcohol sales, with plans to make supplying alcohol to minors a criminal offence.

In response to the growing concern over the unchecked sale of alcohol to minors, authorities announced this week that they would tighten alcohol-related laws by the end of the year. A newly formed interministerial committee, led by Minister of State Akis Skertsos, is currently exploring measures to address the issue. The committee includes representatives from the Citizen Protection, Justice, Health, and Interior ministries.

Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis confirmed that supplying alcohol to minors would soon become a criminal offence once again. He also emphasized that the government is committed to closing existing loopholes that have allowed such violations to occur. "The current legal framework has significant gaps, which we will address swiftly, with a clear focus on protecting the health of young people," Floridis said in an interview with Greece's public broadcaster.

The move follows a series of alcohol poisoning incidents among students. In one recent case, eight students were hospitalized after drinking alcohol at a nightclub in southern Athens. The incident led to immediate action from Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, who shut down the club and suggested that its operating license be permanently revoked during a City Council meeting.

Floridis further proposed that the police should be granted the authority to carry out random checks at bars and clubs to ensure compliance with alcohol laws and take legal action against venue owners who serve minors.

It's worth noting that the penalties for serving alcohol to minors were lifted in 2016 under legislation passed by the then-ruling SYRIZA party. The legal drinking age in Greece is 18.

Read how it happened.

Students Hospitalised After Drinking Adulterated Alcohol at Vouliagmeni Club