Parliament has passed a Health Ministry bill aimed at strengthening protections for minors by tightening restrictions on the sale and availability of tobacco and alcohol products, including new controls on non-combustible tobacco and cannabis-related items.
The legislation introduces stricter regulations governing the sale, provision, and distribution of tobacco and alcohol to individuals under the age of 18, and establishes a unified enforcement mechanism to prevent underage access.
Under the new law, customers must present valid identification proving they are over 18 in order to purchase tobacco, alcohol, non-combustible products (such as heated tobacco products, with or without nicotine), or cannabis derivatives. The same age restriction applies to entry into nightclubs and bars.
Violations may result in fines of up to €10,000 and the suspension of business operations.
The law also prohibits the sale and distribution of these products to minors through retail outlets and vending machines. In addition, minors are barred from entering, remaining in, or working at entertainment venues and bars.
Enforcement will be carried out by municipal health services, local police, port authorities, and the Hellenic Police (ELAS).
Source: pagenews.gr