Greece is resisting a European Union push to extend smoking bans to outdoor spaces as part of its efforts to “achieve a tobacco-free generation” by 2040. Despite having one of Europe’s highest smoking rates, the country banned smoking in indoor public places in 2010 and implemented stricter laws in 2019.
However, authorities have reported that many Greeks continue to smoke indoors, often due to gaps in enforcement or low awareness about secondhand smoke risks. Health experts argue that extending outdoor bans would be more effective in reducing smoking-related deaths.
In Athens, inspectors conducted over 3,300 checks on enclosed public spaces in the first year of a new law and issued fines totaling €529,400. Despite this, many businesses continue to allow smoking, with some even using plastic sheeting to create makeshift indoor spaces.
Greeks cite low tobacco prices and concerns about government restrictions as reasons for continuing to smoke indoors. Experts acknowledge that changing attitudes towards secondhand smoke is crucial, but argue that more needs to be done to enforce existing laws and raise public awareness.
The European Commission has reported that Greece still struggles with high smoking rates, with over a third of Greeks smoking in 2023. The country’s health minister says Greece will not extend outdoor bans unless there is concrete evidence on their impact on public health.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/28/world/europe/greece-indoor-smoking-ban.html