A new attempt to implement smoking ban in Greece starts today

Published on July 6, 2009 4:50 AM

click here to find out more

Online tobacco low price

Greece, home to EU most-addicted smokers, goes smoke-free on July 1, for the third time in the last decade, when the country implements latest smoking ban, trying to reduce the giant smoking rates, that account almost a half of all population and cut the expenses on treating the smoking-related illnesses that cost the country up to € 2 billion each year.

As the ban comes into effect, business owners are trying to accommodate their smoking customers in the best manner. In conformity with the legislation, smoking is now prohibited in all public places and buildings, even in public transport. However, under the last-minute amendment to the law, small venues of less than 70 sq. m. would decide themselves whether to become smoke-free or remain smoking-friendly, however in case they select the second variant, they should permit entrance to smoking patrons only. Other conditions for such establishments include having their license revised, proving they are able to maintain the adequate level of air-conditioning and placing a special sign saying that smoking is permitted on the door.

The premises larger than 70 square meters are able to allow smoking only in specially designated sections, comprising 25% of the area and physically separated and ventilated from the remaining part of the establishment. Restaurants that provide live music concerts should divide their premises to smoking and non-smoking section by a two-meter wide glass wall. In addition, all such venues should deny entrance to smoking sections for minors.

As regards office centers, companies with not more than 50 employees should prohibit smoking completely, whereas those businesses where more than 50 people are employed are entitled to launch specialized rooms for smokers.

The Head of Greek Public Health Ministry Dimitris Avramopoulos said that although they held many negotiations and debates with business owners, the most difficult part would be to enforce the legislation in a proper manner. He said he hopes the latest measure would be useful in reducing smoking rates across the country.

Greece has been trying to implement smoking bans since the middle of 19th century. The last attempt was held in 2002, when people simply ignored the law. However, Greeks are Europe’s heaviest smokers, partially because of the lack of any restrictions like in other EU countries.

The Health Ministry has recruited up to a hundred of agents that would enforce the legislation. Individuals violating the ordinance would pay a 500 euro fine, while business owners would face up to 2.000 euros in fines.

Initially the government planned to implement the law on Jan. 1 2010, however Health Minister Avramopoulos convinced them to set an earlier date in order to give Greek smokers time to get accustomed to new laws, by lighting up outside while it is still warm. The latest bill puts Greece in one row with many developed EU countries, including France, Spain and Italy, where such regulations were imposed in order to protect people from second-hand smoke.

Almost 60 % of all population is exposed to passive smoking every day, making it the highest rate across the EU.