New Law Introduces Elevated Standards to Prevent Underage Alcohol Use
The Greek Parliament has passed a new Health Ministry bill to protect minors from the harms of alcohol and tobacco. As reported by Ekathimerini, the legislation improves the standards for the sale, provision, and availability of alcoholic products, tobacco, non-combustible tobacco, and cannabis-related items to people under 18. It also establishes a unified enforcement system across municipalities and national agencies.
Mandatory Age Verification and Sales Restrictions
The new law mandates that customers must present valid identification proving they are over 18 to purchase any of the regulated products, including alcohol and heated tobacco items, regardless of nicotine content, reports Ekathimerini.
This rule also applies to cannabis derivatives. The age limit extends beyond purchase to entry into bars and nightclubs, ensuring that minors are not exposed to environments where alcohol use is normalised.
Retail outlets and vending machines are prohibited from selling these products to minors. Furthermore, the law bars minors from entering, remaining in, or working at entertainment venues that serve alcohol.
Violations of these provisions can result in fines of up to €10,000 and even lead to suspension of business operations. Enforcement responsibilities fall to municipal health services, local police, port authorities, and the Hellenic Police (ELAS).
A Needed Step to Better Prevent Alcohol Harm Among Youth
This legislation reflects growing awareness of the need to place common sense limits on alcohol availability to protect young people in Greece. According to compelling research, alcohol is still the most widely used psychoactive substance among adolescents.
In fact, over 50% of 15-year-olds surveyed across Europe reported using alcohol. Such early exposure increases the risk of developing alcohol use disorder and other alcohol harms later in life.
Furthermore, studies have highlighted that one in six children are harmed by alcohol use of the adults around them, highlighting the importance of shielding minors from environments and marketing strategies that promote alcohol use. These harms are not just personal but societal, contributing to long-term health and social inequalities.
Enforcement and Future Action
The coordinated enforcement approach introduced by the new Greek law is a promising development. By involving health authorities, local and national police, and port authorities, the government is taking a multi-agency approach to keep minors safe from alcohol harms. This aligns with international recommendations to strengthen legal frameworks, improve monitoring, and close loopholes that drive alcohol availability.
As evidence from studies shows, effective alcohol prevention is possible with ambitious and evidence-based measures. Greece’s new law is a step in the right direction. Improved alcohol policies, including taxation and advertising bans, would further reduce youth exposure and build healthier communities.
Protecting children from alcohol harm is a matter of public health, social justice, and national responsibility. This legislation sets an example for the minimum governments can do to prevent early alcohol use initiation and the lifelong damage it causes.