Greece’s Health Ministry has introduced a bill requiring mandatory ID checks for all tobacco, alcohol, and vape sales to eliminate widespread youth access. Under the draft legislation, retailers who fail to verify buyer age face fines up to €10,000 ($11,420) and potential business closures.
The legislative action directly targets findings from the 2024 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD). The data revealed that 77% of Greek 16-year-olds purchase e-cigarettes without age checks, 92% easily obtain alcohol, and 52% report active vape use.
Digital Registry and Enforcement Measures
To enforce compliance, the bill establishes a digital registry for all retail vendors of vaping and tobacco products. In addition, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) will create a specialized enforcement unit to monitor product circulation throughout the domestic market.
The draft law also bars minors from entering or working in bars and nightclubs, permitting entry only for strictly regulated private events. The public consultation on the bill remains open through June 16.
