Quote from Alex bobby on July 5, 2025, 3:01 AM

Greece Passes Sweeping Law to Jail People for Selling Alcohol or Tobacco to Children: What You Need to Know

In a decisive move to protect the health of its younger population, Greece has passed a groundbreaking law that introduces tough new penalties for selling alcohol or tobacco to minors. The legislation, passed by the Greek parliament, includes jail terms of up to three years and fines as high as €10,000 for violators. It also introduces strict controls on tobacco and alcohol sales, bans on advertising, and even restrictions on smoking in public spaces.

The law is one of the most comprehensive child protection measures adopted by Greece in recent years. Here's a closer look at the key components of the new legislation.

Protecting Children from Harmful Substances

At the core of the law is a firm stance: children and harmful substances do not mix. The law requires that anyone selling alcohol or tobacco — including cigarettes and vapes — must verify the age of buyers. If a shopkeeper has any doubt about a customer’s age, they are legally required to refuse the sale.

Violations come with steep consequences. Those caught selling alcohol or tobacco to minors face:

• Up to €10,000 in fines
• Prison terms of up to three years

The law doesn't stop at sales. It also criminalises:

• Using minors to sell tobacco
• Employing minors in bars or similar venues
• Allowing children to loiter in bars or entertainment venues
• Selling alcohol through vending machines, a practice now completely banned

The only exception to these rules applies to private parties in designated spaces, provided local police are notified at least two days in advance.

Clear Signage Required in Bars and Entertainment Venues

To reinforce the law, bars and entertainment centres must display visible signs warning that:

• Children are not allowed inside
• Alcohol will not be sold to minors

This measure aims to make both business owners and the public more aware of the legal boundaries.

Broad Smoking Bans in Public and Private Spaces

The new law also imposes far-reaching restrictions on where people can smoke:

• Smoking is now banned in internet cafes and locations where AI games are played
• Smoking is prohibited at both indoor and outdoor sports venues and entertainment spaces aimed at minors

Violators can expect penalties as follows:

• €200 for illegal smoking
• €500 for managers who fail to enforce the smoking ban

Even more striking, smoking is now banned in taxis, affecting both drivers and passengers. If someone smokes in a taxi:

• They can be fined €1,500
• The fine rises to €3,000 if the offence occurs in public transport like buses or metros
• Drivers can lose their licenses for one month per infringement, even if a passenger was the one smoking

Repeat offenders face heavier consequences. Smokers can be fined between €50 and €500, while business owners could see fines up to €10,000 and even risk temporary or permanent license revocation.

Strict Limits on Tobacco Advertising

The new law doesn’t stop at consumption; it targets tobacco promotion as well. Advertisements are now banned in:

• Cinemas
• Shops (especially visible storefronts)
• Open-air and indoor areas near health and education facilities

Shopkeepers must now remove tobacco products from their windows and avoid selling products that resemble tobacco. This includes novelty items like chewing gum that looks like cigarette packs — once common in Greece.

Violations of the advertising rules carry penalties of €500 to €10,000.

A Cultural and Legal Turning Point

This law marks a cultural shift in a country where smoking has long been widespread and enforcement has historically been lax. Greece’s smoking rate has traditionally been among the highest in Europe, especially among youths. Public health advocates have hailed this legislation as a long-overdue step toward aligning Greece with European Union health standards.

According to lawmakers, the goal is not only to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption among young people but also to promote a societal shift toward healthier lifestyles. The comprehensive nature of the law — covering sales, advertising, and public smoking — shows that Greece is taking the issue seriously.

Conclusion: Enforcement is Key

The success of Greece's bold new law will ultimately depend on enforcement. Past attempts to curb smoking and underage drinking have struggled due to a lack of oversight and accountability. But this time, with clearer penalties, better public signage, and stronger legal backing, there is hope for real change.

Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, or simply a visitor to Greece, understanding and respecting the new regulations is crucial. The country has sent a clear message: protecting children from the dangers of tobacco and alcohol is not optional — it’s the law.

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Greece has passed a sweeping law with jail terms and heavy fines for selling tobacco or alcohol to children. Learn what's in the law and how it impacts sales, smoking, and advertising.