Greece deploys new gov.gr tools to crack down on illegal tobacco and alcohol sales to minors

Three new digital tools designed to radically improve the enforcement of the ban on selling tobacco and alcohol to minors were presented by the Greek government during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Maximos Mansion. The initiative aims to create a fully digital oversight system that enables faster, more accurate, and more effective inspections nationwide.

Electronic Registry for Private Events Involving Minors

The first tool is a new electronic registry on gov.gr, where businesses hosting private events attended by minors will be required to file an advance declaration.

The business owner will register details such as the type of event—school dances, graduation parties, etc.—and the date. The customer organizing the event must then confirm the declaration electronically, which will automatically generate a private agreement between the two parties.

Why it matters:This measure targets cases in which venues that serve alcohol allow minors to enter during undeclared “private events,” effectively bypassing the law. The new registry enables targeted and documented inspections, closing this loophole.

National Registry of Tobacco and Alcohol Vendors – QR Certification for Each Store

The second tool is a digital registry for all businesses selling tobacco or alcohol. Every store will need to log onto gov.gr and declare which products it sells (e.g., cigarettes, heated tobacco, alcoholic beverages).

After registration, the business will receive a unique QR code confirming its entry into the registry and listing the products declared.

What changes:

• For the first time, Greece will have a nationwide map of all points of sale.
• Inspectors will know in advance what each store is allowed to sell.
• Inspections become faster, more transparent, and more reliable.

The system will fully roll out after a transition period allowing businesses to complete their registration.

Age Verification with One Scan – Technology at the Center

The third tool introduces a secure age-verification mechanism for the purchase of tobacco and alcohol in both physical and online stores. It integrates with the Gov.gr Wallet and KidsWallet applications.

A seller will scan a QR code from the customer’s phone and instantly receive confirmation—without seeing any personal data—of whether the customer is an adult. For online purchases, the same verification process will be activated automatically through a QR code displayed on the seller’s website.

The goal:To close every possible loophole that currently allows minors to access addictive products.

Statements by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

The Prime Minister emphasized that the new law banning the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors must now be enforced with full rigor:

“Technology now allows age verification to be conducted very easily. Greece is at the forefront in Europe when it comes to digital identity verification.”

He also suggested that similar technology may soon be used to regulate minors’ access to social media platforms.

What the Ministers Said

Adonis Georgiadis – Minister of Health

“We are completing the reform with digital platforms that enable real-time monitoring to ensure minors cannot access these prohibited products.”

Mihalis Chrysochoidis – Minister for Citizen Protection

He highlighted the active role of the Hellenic Police and the tools available for public reports:“Citizens can use the SAFE.YOUth app or call 10201 to report businesses that provide alcohol to minors.”

Dimitris Papastergiou – Minister of Digital Governance

“Age verification, the registry of all points of sale, and the registry for private events are the three digital tools now ready to be deployed for the protection of our children.”

Through this three-tier digital strategy, the government seeks to end the era of lax enforcement and establish a nationwide framework that shields minors from access to tobacco and alcohol.Technology becomes a central ally in safeguarding public health and preventing early exposure to addictive substances.

Source: pagenews.gr