Effective July 1st, Greece has enacted significant new regulations aimed at curbing youth access to tobacco and alcohol.
Under this stricter new legal framework, spearheaded by Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, the sale of tobacco products to minors will now be subject to criminal penalties. This marks a substantial shift in policy, introducing serious repercussions for vendors.
Furthermore, the new law directly addresses a long-standing cultural practice in Greece: it is now illegal for adults to send minors to purchase cigarettes on their behalf. Minister Georgiadis underscored the government’s commitment, stating, “We are introducing a very strict bill to protect our minors from both alcohol and tobacco.”
He clarified that any vendor, such as a kiosk attendant, who sells a packet of cigarettes must now “ask for identification and establish that they are an adult—otherwise they are criminally liable.” This places a direct and legally binding responsibility on sellers to verify age.
Beyond sales, the forthcoming legislation, which is set to be published in the Official Gazette, also introduces a crucial public health measure concerning tobacco products themselves: a new cap of 16 grams on the nicotine levels permitted in tobacco pouches. This measure directly responds to recent findings that some products on the market contain significantly higher concentrations, with some amounting to as much as 70 grams of nicotine.
The move aims to reduce the potential for addiction and harm, particularly among young users who might be drawn to these products.
Tobacco and alcohol consumption in Greece
Despite sustained efforts through anti-smoking legislation, public awareness campaigns, and increased enforcement, Greece has historically maintained one of the highest smoking prevalence rates within the European Union and among OECD countries. While a gradual decline has been observed over the past two decades, the proportion of the population that smokes remains notably substantial.
According to recent available data from 2022-2023, the smoking rate for individuals aged 15 and over in Greece hovers around 30-33 percent. For instance, Macrotrends reported a smoking rate of 32.8 percent in 2022 for those aged 15 and over, a slight decrease from 33.3 percent in 2021. Other sources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Eurostat, generally place Greece among the top countries in terms of daily smokers.
Crucially, men consistently exhibit higher smoking rates than women. While exact figures vary slightly by survey, some recent data suggests over 40 percent of adult males smoke, compared to around 25 to 30 percent of adult females.
There has been a discernible shift towards electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, particularly among younger demographics and former smokers, which introduces new complexities in tracking overall nicotine consumption and its health impacts.
Alcohol consumption in Greece is often associated with social gatherings, meals, and celebrations rather than isolated heavy drinking. Traditional beverages such as ouzo, raki/tsikoudia, and wine are integral to Greek hospitality and cuisine.
However, emerging concerns include increasing alcohol consumption among adolescents and young adults, as well as the potential for harmful drinking patterns, particularly during social events and nightlife activities. There’s also a growing awareness of the need for targeted interventions in addressing alcohol-related harm.
Related: Greek Alcoholic Drinks Swarm Foreign Market Shelves
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