Shock Warning from the Minister of Health
“Tobacco and alcohol must be kept away from our children. They are a plague. Even the best child can suffer serious harm in a moment of carelessness.”
With this blunt statement, Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis effectively declared war on a decades-old problem. The statistics are shocking: in the past year alone, over 1,500 minors were hospitalized due to alcohol consumption, with at least 30 severe poisoning cases ending up in intensive care. Fatalities, while rare, are not negligible.
The minister warns that the state is entering the fight decisively and digitally, introducing measures that will change Greek nightlife culture and business practices regarding alcohol and tobacco sales to minors.
Digital Pre-Notification of School Parties – No More Excuses
For years, school parties were a loophole for minors to access bars and nightclubs. Teenagers could enter claiming it was a “school event,” and the police had no way to verify it.
Under the new system:
- Every school party must be registered digitally on the gov.gr platform
- Law enforcement will know in advance where and when the event takes place
- Any attempt to bypass the checks will be practically impossible
Example: Last year, a group of 16-year-olds entered a nightclub in a major city claiming it was a school event. Police could not verify the claim, and the party continued without consequences. With the gov.gr platform, such situations will be eliminated.
Adonis makes it clear:“No more excuses. No one will enter a venue under the pretext of a school party.”
Nationwide Mapping of Alcohol and Tobacco Sellers
One of the biggest innovations is the complete mapping of every establishment selling alcohol or tobacco. Until now, small businesses operated without effective oversight, resulting in:
- Minors buying alcohol at kiosks without consequences
- Business owners repeatedly violating the law
With the new database:
- All kiosks, mini-markets, and bars are recorded
- Inspections are targeted and based on actual business activity
- Law violations are digitally traceable
Statistics: Initial pilot tests showed that over 85% of small businesses selling alcohol to minors had no registered information on any platform. Full registration is expected to drastically reduce lawlessness.
Kidz Wallet – The Digital Age Verification
The most groundbreaking change is digital age verification:
- Each minor will have a digital ID with QR code on their smartphone
- Store staff can scan and instantly confirm age
- Fake IDs, photoshop alterations, and hacking apps are now useless
Adonis stresses:“No more lies. The QR code will show the true age. If it doesn’t match, no sale.”
Even using an older sibling’s phone is impossible, as the ID photo confirms the real owner.Case Study: In a pilot of 100 stores in Athens, sales to minors dropped by 92% in the first month.
Harsh Penalties – Felonies and Zero Tolerance
The new legal framework establishes:
- Heavy fines for selling alcohol/tobacco to minors
- Criminal liability for both business owners and employees
- Felony charges in case of serious injury or death
Adonis makes it clear:“If you break the law, we will catch you. Everything is digital, everything is traceable. The era of lawlessness is over.”
The state sends a clear message: no one is above the law. Digital oversight acts as a “Big Brother,” ensuring violators are punished.
Message to Parents – The First Line of Defense
The minister addresses parents directly:
“Do not be complacent. Alcohol and tobacco can destroy even the best child in an instant.”He also warns that new nicotine and vaping products, often marketed as harmless, pose serious risks. Home education and supervision are critical, as technology cannot replace parental responsibility.
Statistics – The Numbers That Shock
- Over 1,500 minors hospitalized last year due to alcohol consumption
- At least 30 severe poisoning cases required ICU care
- About 15% of minors have tried alcohol before age 15
- In pilot stores, alcohol sales to minors dropped by 92% with the Kidz Wallet
The data shows that digital oversight has immediate, measurable effects.
Market Impact – A New Reality
Business owners now face a choice: comply or face heavy fines and criminal prosecution.
- Violators can no longer hide behind “employee error” excuses
- Technology ensures any illegal activity is detectable
- The market will be cleaned of establishments that repeatedly break the law
Social Message – Greece Says ‘No’ to Lawlessness
The new measures are not only about technology or legislation. They are a strong social warning:
- Society must take responsibility
- Parents must educate and monitor
- Business owners must comply
Adonis’ message: There will be no more tolerance. Every violation will be traced and punished.
Greece is entering a new era of digital control and strict legal accountability to protect minors. The government sends a clear warning:
“If you break the law, we will catch you. Everything is digital.”
The future of Greek nightlife and child safety is at a crossroads. Technology, legislation, and social awareness are working together for the first time.
The plague of underage access to alcohol and tobacco can be contained — but success depends on everyone: parents, educators, business owners, and the state.
Πηγή: pagenews.gr