In brief
Over a decade since Greece implemented a smoking ban in indoor public spaces, defiance against these rules remains strong, with resistance to outdoor smoking restrictions gaining traction as the EU calls for stricter laws.
As Greece grapples with one of the highest smoking rates in Europe, the stubborn resistance to a planned expansion of smoking bans has become a significant point of contention. While the European Union is advocating for broader restrictions to establish a tobacco-free generation by 2040, Greece has made it clear that it isn't enthusiastic about enforcing outdoor bans.Despite a smoking ban on indoor venues instituted back in 2010, smoking continues to be prevalent in bars, restaurants, and clubs across the nation. The latest statistics reveal that more than a third of Greeks smoke, placing the country in a distant second in the EU smoking league, right after Bulgaria. According to a 2019 health profile by the European Commission, roughly 20% of deaths in Greece in 2019 were due to tobacco use, highlighting the pressing public health challenges.Ongoing enforcement of smoking regulations has been inconsistent, allowing many smokers to indulge freely in public spaces. "When there are loopholes in the rules, smokers are likely to take advantage of them," explained Stathis Papachristou, an official at the National Public Health Organization's smoking cessation department, emphasizing the challenges in adhering to the existing laws.In an attempt to curb this issue, stricter penalties were introduced in 2019, including fines for patrons and businesses failing to comply with the smoking ban. However, even these measures have struggled against the deeply rooted smoking culture in Greece. Whether from habit or a sense of rebellion, many Greeks continue to light up, resisting the comprehensive restrictions that the EU has in mind.
