As part of efforts to curb the uncontrolled sale of alcohol to minors, Greek authorities said this week that they would be tightening alcohol laws by the end of the year.
A newly set-up interministerial committee initiated by Minister of State Akis Skertsos is examining measures which will include increased inspections and stricter penalties for those supplying alcohol to minors. The committee includes the ministries of Citizen Protection, Justice, Health, and Interior.
“Supplying minors with alcohol will become a criminal offense again,” Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis said during an interview to Greece’s public broadcaster this week, adding that loopholes facilitating violations will be closed.
“The current [legal] framework has significant gaps which we will address very soon, within the year, definitely focusing on the protection of young people’s health,” he said.
The news comes after repeated incidents of alcohol poisoning among students. Recently, eight students were hospitalized after consuming alcohol at a nightclub in southern Athens. The incident forced Athens Mayor Haris Doukas to take action and shut down the club, also suggesting during a City Council meeting that the establishment’s license be revoked permanently.
Floridis went on to add that the police should have the authority to conduct random checks at bars and clubs and to initiate legal action against establishment owners who admit minors and serve alcohol.
It should be noted that penalties for serving alcohol to minors were lifted in 2016 by the then-ruling SYRIZA party through legislation.
The legal drinking age in Greece is 18.
