A draft law of the Greek Health Ministry for the protection of consumers’ health, both adults and minors, was uploaded for public consultation on Saturday.
Adults will only be able to buy cigarettes and alcohol with an ID, while selling or serving alcohol and cigarettes to minors is forbidden.
The draft law entitled “Protection of minors from tobacco and alcohol products – Regulations for non-tobacco products – Digital register for the control of tobacco products, alcohol and other non-tobacco products and other provisions”, provides also that in order to exclude minors from the possibility of purchasing cigarettes and alcohol, these two products they will be purchased only with the use of an ID, even by adults.
Among other things, The draft law provides for minors, among others:
1 a ban on the sale and offering in any way of tobacco and alcohol products to and by minors
2. establishing the obligation to identify adults and to search for identity documents on the part of the seller at all points of sale
3. mandatory notification to the Greek Police or Port Authority of private events held in entertainment centers and bars, if minors participate through a special electronic platform, with simultaneous posting of the relevant agreements
4. establishing strict administrative sanctions in cases of violations
providing for criminal sanctions in cases of sale, offering and distribution of tobacco and alcohol to and by minors, as well as in cases of their entry, stay and employment in entertainment centers and bars.
The consultation will last until June 16, 2025, and it will then probably will be submitted to the Parliament for voting.
PS There has been a law in Greece banning alcohol and cigarettes to minors since the 1960’s?, the 70’s?, the 80’s maybe… However, it is usual in the country that laws are here to be ignored by both the citizens and the state. OK, I was romantically mistaken, it was law 3730/2008.
I also have no idea how adults’ health will be protected if they have to buy alcohol and cigarettes with an ID.