A fine of 200 euros threatens smokers who violate the anti-smoking law, according to a bill submitted by the Greek Health Ministry to the Parliament. The fine is currently at 50 euros.
The bill includes new provisions regarding smoking in public places. These are:
The possibility of creating smoking areas over 1/2 of the total space is abolished. The provision refers to smoking areas in casinos and entertainment venues with live music with over 300 sq meters of space. The provision refers also to venues for legal gambling.
Abolished is also the annual fee of 200 euros per square meter of smoking areas in the above mentioned venues.
The smoking ban extends to all indoor venues also for sports and sports events, outdoor facilities for juvenile sports as well as to children playgrounds.
Violation of anti-smoking law is fined with 200 euros for smokers and 500 euros for the management of the above mentioned facilities.
Postponed is the implementation of provisions regarding the electronic cigarettes and the refill of non-nicotine liquids, the ban on selling chewing tobacco, tobacco through the nose and tobacco substitutes.
According to the bill, smoking is allowed in venue spaces that are open at at least two sides.
In addition to the smoking ban already in force, a complete ban on smoking is now required in the following areas:
- in all public or private workplaces, indoors or enclosed. excluded are places for the manufacture of tobacco products
- in all venues producing and offering food, beverages, pastries, all sorts of milk preparations.
- all kinds of waiting areas
- the airports. Excluded: areas specifically designated for smokers
- the ports and passengers lounges at ports
- all kinds of canteens
- all types of public transport means, including taxis.
- in private cars when a minor below 12 years old is present. Fines up to 1,500 euros for the driver, whether he is smoking or not, the smoking co-driver or a passenger. One month without driving license.
The new Greek government has been determined to implement anti-smoking laws that have been legislated by never fully implemented due to control difficulties.
This time, the government has assigned with the control of the ban and the implementing of fines thhealth personnel of Municipalities and Regional Government, the port authorities, municipality Police and members of the Greek police in uniform.
sources: newsit, dikaiologitika
My response to this power wielding administration. Greeks have the spirit of freedom in their nature. You cannot change that despite any draconian laws government attempts to control the people without their consent (which means the law is fraudulent by nature as we didn’t agree to it). Greece is a democracy. Why not let the public weigh in as it concerns us specifically and especially if smokers are comfortable with this too as these rules apply to them particularly? In any case, government needs to stay out of our lives. Don’t tread on me! Live free or die! Government that governs least governs best. We must embrace this philosophy of early America’s Founding Fathers. I don’t like this new Mitsotakis administration so far. I want less government in my life, not more. If he wants to bring the heavy hand of government against the Greeks then I say it is their responsibility to vote him out of power. That is if Greeks want to remain a free society and people.
Bravo. hear hear!
Do you object to the law that says killing is illegal? Drink driving is illegal? Both kill people. Smoking kills people even the passive type. I actually agree with the notion that there should be smoking allowed in designated areas and it is my choice whether to enter them. Personally I have no problem with people smoking other than when I am eating. However, your argument is from an anarchist fact sheet. Of course the state should protect it’s citizens. It should go farther. Helmets for motor cyclists, law yes but how many obey it. Riding up one way streets, 2 kids, the wife and a dog on a moped, Of course it’s all right it’s what they have always done. Freedom comes with responsibility and that is sadly lacking big time in Greece. Time to think of others not just yourself.