A nightclub in southern Athens, under investigation for serving alcohol to minors, is reopening following a court decision citing the “financial damage” incurred from its temporary closure during the investigation. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas condemned the ruling on X, expressing deep concern.
Specifically, Mayor Doukas stated:
“We have been served with the incomprehensible court decision allowing the temporary operation of the establishment on Vouliagmenis Avenue, which served alcohol to minors, leading to some being hospitalized. The Administrative Court of First Instance cited only the ‘financial damage’ to the business owner until the case is definitively resolved. Moreover, as a municipality, we were not called to present our arguments despite our request. We express our intense concern over this development. From our side, we will continue our efforts to enforce legality and protect minors.”
This development comes as Greece is set to introduce a new bill in Parliament imposing stricter penalties for businesses supplying alcohol, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices to minors. The joint decision by the ministries of Citizen Protection, Justice, and Health aims to revamp underage drinking laws in the country, following repeated incidents of selling harmful products to underage individuals.
It is worth noting that the eight minors, aged 14 to 17 and students from northern suburbs of Athens, were hospitalized after feeling unwell following alcohol consumption during a planned school dance at the nightclub on Vouliagmenis Avenue.
The club in question, as reported by Skai.gr, has been repeatedly targeted by authorities and has been found in violation of laws, including serving adulterated drinks. Mayor Doukas had previously proposed removing the nightclub’s operating license.
Underage Drinking Laws in Greece
After the hospitalization of the 8 students, Greek authorities said they would be tightening alcohol laws by the end of the year. The measures would extend to the sale of all harmful substances to minors.
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.
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.
