The arrival of the New Year was marked by incidents of underage alcohol intoxication, a phenomenon not uncommon during New Year’s celebrations. The intubation of a 14-year-old from Ioannina and the hospitalization of a minor in Kalamata following alcohol consumption are two cases that drew public attention.

Government Response

To address such incidents, the government is expected to announce a new, stricter, and clearer legislative framework regarding the prohibition of alcohol sales to minors. Additionally, measures related to smoking are anticipated, aiming to align with European standards, including the prohibition of smoking in outdoor spaces.

The President of the Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Employees (POEDIN), Michalis Giannakos, noted a more than twofold increase in minors admitted to emergency rooms for intoxication. “The framework regulating establishments serving alcohol to minors must be tightened, and families need to be more vigilant,” he emphasized, highlighting that even a single drink can be dangerous for minors, especially if it is adulterated.

Typically, intoxicated minors are hospitalized for precautionary observation for one or two days and then discharged in good health. However, some cases require intensive care. Giannakos stressed the need for stricter inspections in establishments serving alcohol, advocating for an outright ban on alcohol sales to minors. He proposed requiring ID checks at entry to verify ages and called for the closure of venues serving alcohol to minors, along with banning alcohol sales to minors in kiosks, supermarkets, and other outlets.

Legislative Developments

The ministries of Justice, Citizen Protection, Health, and Interior are promoting legislative amendments to tighten regulations on alcohol sales to minors. Plans include making the sale of alcohol to individuals under 18 a criminal offense without exception and reinstating the police’s authority to conduct inspections in clubs and entertainment venues. The legislation would also allow for the immediate closure of establishments found violating these laws.

Smoking in Outdoor Spaces

In parallel, the government plans to amend existing smoking regulations. Deputy Minister of Health Dimitris Vartzopoulos pointed out that the tobacco market has significant unregulated areas. The European Commission has recommended that member states ban smoking in outdoor spaces.

On December 3, 2024, EU Health Ministers agreed to stricter anti-smoking measures, including banning smoking and vaping in outdoor spaces such as playgrounds, café terraces, pools, beaches, zoos, and restaurant rooftops. These measures aim to protect children and young people from the risks of secondhand smoke.

European Context and Greek Progress

While no European country has fully banned outdoor smoking, some have implemented partial restrictions. Sweden banned smoking on restaurant and bar terraces in 2018, and other countries have restrictions near schools or in specific public areas. In Milan, outdoor smoking will be banned starting this month.

In Greece, smoking is prohibited in outdoor spaces where minors gather, such as playgrounds and sports facilities, including the use of electronic cigarettes or other smoking devices. However, enforcement remains a significant issue, with fines often going uncollected.

By enhancing regulations on alcohol sales and smoking, the government aims to protect public health and align Greece with evolving European standards.