Greece to introduce criminal penalties for selling tobacco products to minors

Greece will ban sending children to buy cigarettes and alcohol. Selling alcohol and cigarettes to minors will for the first time become a criminal offense. The sale of these products will only be possible upon presentation of an ID.

The Greek authorities will publish the relevant bill on Friday to end the common adult practice of sending children and teenagers to buy cigarettes.

The country's Ministry of Health stated that the initiative aims to protect youth from harmful habits.

"Starting from Friday, when the bill is published, we will end cases related to selling alcohol and tobacco to minors. We will introduce a mandatory requirement to present physical or electronic ID in all tobacco shops."

The bill provides for severe punishment for bartenders and waiters who knowingly offer alcohol to minors.

According to a survey, about 92% of Greek teenagers report easy access to alcohol in venues.

These measures come amid efforts by the European Commission and some EU member states to raise taxes on tobacco products. If successful, the price of a pack of cigarettes in Greece may reach €6-7.

Meanwhile, public organizations oppose a sharp increase in tobacco prices, fearing negative effects on the economy and the growth of smuggling.