Greece’s conservative government is preparing a draft law to ban all flavored alternative tobacco products, sparing only natural tobacco and mint options. The policy shift occurs as Athens intensifies efforts to curb minor access to regulated substances following recent incidents of teenagers fainting in nightclubs from alcohol consumption.
The proposed legislation, currently in the final stages of internal consultation, targets fruit, dessert, and beverage profiles such as biscuit, chocolate, and watermelon. Beyond product restrictions, the bill reclassifies the sale of tobacco and alcohol to minors from an administrative infraction into a criminal offense under the penal code, granting authorities direct power to shut down non-compliant venues.
Industry Resistance and Illicit Market Warnings
The proposal faces resistance from specialized retailers and sectors outside the Health Ministry. Greece currently has an adult smoking rate exceeding 35%, according to Eurobarometer data, and critics argue the restriction removes valuable smoking cessation tools.
In a formal letter to the government, the Greek association of vape product traders warned that eliminating flavors could drive an estimated 400,000 adult consumers to unregulated black markets. The trade group noted that the domestic vape sector supports roughly 10,000 jobs across 2,000 specialized shops.
An industry source noted the contradiction in targeting adult cessation products: A total ban doesn’t make sense as it also punishes adult consumers.
Opponents point to countries like the United Kingdom, where flavors remain accessible to support adults transitioning away from combustible cigarettes.
European Union Regulatory Fragmentation
Before entering into force, the proposed Greek ban requires formal notification and approval from the European Commission, a review process that can take up to six months. If enacted, Greece will join seven other EU member states that have already outlawed flavored e-liquids: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands.
The Greek initiative comes amid ongoing debates among EU member states regarding tobacco taxation, advertising, and novel nicotine regulations. While countries like Spain and the Netherlands advocate for strict bloc-wide limits on alternative nicotine products, member states such as Italy remain cautious about aggressive tax hikes during inflationary periods.
