Greece is implementing a series of digital measures to enforce its existing laws that restrict the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The move comes after legislation passed last July, which imposed severe penalties on businesses and individuals violating the underage sales ban. The government says this is a proactive step to protect young people and ensure compliance with the law.
New Regulations and Penalties
The Greek government introduced three new digital tools on Monday designed to make enforcement more effective. Businesses now face fines ranging from €500 to €10,000 for selling alcohol or tobacco to minors, with the possibility of temporary or permanent license revocation for repeat offenses. Individuals who violate the law risk fines and up to three years in jail if they sell to minors, exploit children in sales, use vending machines for alcohol, or allow minors in bars. Advertising restrictions on tobacco products also carry fines of €500 to €10,000.
Digital Enforcement Tools
The new digital tools include an online register for businesses hosting events with minors, requiring them to pre-register details such as the date and type of event (e.g., prom, graduation). A second register will require all tobacco and alcohol retailers to declare the types of products they sell, creating a nationwide map for inspectors.
The third tool is an age-verification system adapted from the KidsWallet application, designed for both brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce platforms. In stores, the system will verify customers’ ages using secure technology. Online, a QR code on sellers’ websites will allow buyers to scan and verify their age via mobile phones.
Government Rationale
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has stated that Greece is taking a leading role in Europe by using digital verification for age restrictions. He also suggested that the same technology could be useful in regulating minors’ access to social media, hinting at broader applications beyond just alcohol and tobacco.
“Technology now enables us to make this verification very easy,” Mitsotakis said. “I would like to point out that Greece is at the forefront of Europe when it comes to digital verification of the age of Greek citizens.”
The government’s aggressive approach to enforcing these bans signals a commitment to public health and regulatory control, but it also raises questions about data privacy and the extent to which digital surveillance will be used in other areas of social regulation.
