Greece is introducing strict new legislation aimed at protecting minors from tobacco and alcohol, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis has announced.
Under the proposed rules, it will become a criminal offence to sell tobacco to children or to send them to purchase cigarettes on behalf of adults – a widespread but long-standing practice in the country.
“We are making a very strict bill to protect our minors from both alcohol and tobacco,” Georgiadis said.
“The kiosk attendant, to give a packet of cigarettes to someone, must ask for identification and establish that they are an adult – otherwise they are criminally liable.”
The legislation, set to be published in the Official Gazette, will also impose a nicotine cap of 16 grams on tobacco pouches, after authorities found some products containing as much as 70 grams.
Georgiadis called on retailers to play their part: “We as a state will do what we have to do, but all conscientious professionals should help us by asking for identification to protect the young generation from this scourge.”
Meanwhile, a broader EU debate on raising tobacco taxes continues. Fifteen EU member states have urged the European Commission to hike prices to deter smoking and vaping, especially among young people.
However, Greece — along with Italy, Bulgaria, and Romania — has voiced opposition, arguing that steep price increases could harm national economies and encourage black market activity.
A rise in prices, which could push a packet of cigarettes in Greece to €6 or €7, requires unanimous approval across the bloc and appears unlikely in the near future.
Source: euronews
