The three digital tools designed to protect minors from the sale of alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products, which will be implemented through gov.gr and the gov.gr wallet, were presented by the Ministers of Health and Digital Governance.

These measures were introduced on Monday during a meeting chaired by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, following the passage of the relevant legislation a few months ago.

As the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, emphasized, “These tools will save the lives of our children—the most sacred thing a society has.” He added, “We created the law, the Ministry of Digital Governance developed the tools, and the police will enforce them.”

The Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, recently presented new updates on the digital measures aimed at preventing the sale of alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products to minors, expanding on the tools introduced earlier this year.

New Event Registration System

Papastergiou explained that until now, controls over private events—such as those organized by parent associations, student councils, or tutoring centers—were in a “grey zone.” Now, business owners must register their private events on the platform events.gov.gr using their Taxisnet codes, specifying the venue, start and end times, and the organizer’s tax ID (AFM). This registration generates a QR code, which police can scan to verify the event’s legality and ensure no alcohol is sold to minors.

Registry of Licensed Sellers

The second tool is a digital registry of all physical and online stores authorized to sell alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products. All businesses in these sectors are required to register their stores and products on alto.gov.gr by January 31, 2026.

Digital Age Verification

The third and most advanced tool is a digital age verification system integrated with the gov.gr wallet. Customers wishing to purchase alcohol or tobacco will present their new digital ID, which includes an age verification feature. Sellers scan a QR code, and if the buyer is under 18, a red warning symbol appears, prohibiting the sale. This system complies with GDPR by revealing only the buyer’s age, not personal details.

Minister Papastergiou emphasized, “This technology closes all gaps in age verification and sets a new standard for compliance.”

Impact and Enforcement

Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis stressed the importance of these tools, noting, “Everyone carries a smartphone, so identification is easy and excuses like fake IDs or missed checks are eliminated.”

Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos highlighted the goal of raising awareness among both businesses and young people about the health risks of alcohol and tobacco.

From July to October 2025, the Greek police conducted over 35,000 checks, resulting in nearly 200 legal cases, 195 arrests, and 95 fines—101 related to sales to minors. Reports of neglecting minors increased by 50% compared to last year, reflecting intensified enforcement.

General Secretary of Public Order Panagiotis Stathis warned of zero tolerance toward those exposing minors to alcohol and violence. He also noted that violations carry strict penalties, including prison sentences up to three years, fines up to €10,000, and license suspensions or revocations.

Minister Georgiadis acknowledged the law’s positive effects, citing fewer hospitalizations due to intoxication, but admitted that some adults may still buy alcohol on behalf of minors.

He added, “Increased supervision creates accountability, making everyone more cautious about complying with the law.”

The three digital tools designed to protect minors from the sale of alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products are being introduced by the Ministers of Health and Digital Governance.

These measures were presented on Monday at a meeting chaired by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, following the passage of related legislation a few months ago.

“These tools will save the lives of our children, the most sacred thing in any society,” said Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis at the start of the presentation.

“We made the law, the Ministry of Digital Governance created the tools, and the police will enforce them.”

Until now, checks for events organized by parent associations, student councils, or tutoring centers were in a gray area, explained Mr. Papastergiou.

From now on, business owners will register their events on events.gov.gr using their Taxisnet codes, indicating which venue will hold a private event, its start and end times, and the organizer’s name and tax number (AFM), who must approve the event. Essentially, this creates a private agreement through gov.gr.

At the end, a QR code is generated so the police can verify that the event is permitted but alcohol sales to minors are not allowed.

Second is the registry of physical and digital stores selling alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products.

Stores must register at alto.gov.gr by January 31, 2026, declaring their stores and the products they sell.