The plenary of the Greek Parliament has adopted the anti-smoking law, the third in the last decade. The law was adopted with the overwhelming majority.
In favor voted lawmakers of New Democracy, SYRIZA, KINAL/PASOK and MeRA25.
Communist KKE voted “present”, Greek Solution against it.
KKE said that it does not disagree with the restriction of smoking in public places, but the bill is dominated by police measures and high fines, while any measures to support one’s attempt to stop smoking are missing in the bill.
The government is also trying to limit cigarette smoking on the basis of so-called “individual responsibility” and with measures that do not burden the state budget, KKE argued.
The Greek Solution said that although the anti-smoking law should be finally enforced, it also may create “persecution conditions” for both smokers and businessmen.
The Law bans smoking in all enclosed public places as well as in open sports places and children playgrounds. The Anti-Smoking Law also bans the creation of smoking areas in various facilities with exception of airports.
It threatens with heavy fines those violating its provisions, both smokers and those is charge of facilities including civil servants.
