The Greek government has introduced a new bill aimed at curbing the sale and promotion of alcohol and tobacco products to minors.
The legislation, presented by Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis and Deputy Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos, was discussed in a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis underscored the importance of the initiative, stating, “We must shield our young people from alcohol and tobacco. The Ministry of Education will also play a role, particularly in educating students about these risks. Our goal is to ensure that alcoholic beverages are only sold upon verification of identification, as is common practice abroad. Vendors, whether in retail or hospitality settings, will be held accountable, and penalties will be severe. This is not just a legislative change but a societal necessity.”
Key Provisions of the Bill
The proposed legislation introduces stricter penalties and enhanced enforcement mechanisms to prevent minors from accessing alcohol and tobacco products:
- Increased Penalties: The offense of supplying alcohol to minors will be reclassified from an administrative violation to a misdemeanor.
- Mandatory Age Verification: Vendors will be required to check customer identification in all retail and hospitality establishments, including kiosks, mini-markets, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants.
- Severe Sanctions for Violations: Businesses that fail to comply will face criminal and administrative penalties from the first offense. Repeat offenders risk shop closures and permanent revocation of operating licenses.
- Enhanced Enforcement: The Hellenic Police will take a leading role in enforcing the law, supported by municipal authorities, the Coast Guard, and the National Transparency Authority.
- Restrictions on Entertainment Venues: Minors will be barred from entry into entertainment centers. Private events held at such venues must be reported to law enforcement.
Tobacco Regulations
The bill also introduces comprehensive measures to limit minors’ access to tobacco products, including:
- Total Ban on Sales to Minors: All tobacco products—whether smoked, heated, or vaporized—will be prohibited for sale to individuals under 18.
- Restrictions on Nicotine Products: The ban extends to nicotine products in any form, closing loopholes that previously allowed access.
- Controlled Points of Sale: Strict regulations will be placed on where tobacco products can be sold, ensuring minors have limited access.
- New Regulatory Unit: A special unit within the National Public Health Organization (EODY) will be established to oversee and enforce regulations on new tobacco-related products.
The Greek government’s move aligns with broader European efforts to reduce youth access to harmful substances. As public health concerns grow over the impact of early exposure to alcohol and tobacco, these new measures signal a firm commitment to protecting the next generation.