Despite a national indoor smoking ban in place for over a decade, Greece maintains high smoking rates, with many rejecting potential outdoor restrictions proposed by the European Union.
Greece's Smokers Resist Indoor and Outdoor Bans Despite EU Pressure
Greece's Smokers Resist Indoor and Outdoor Bans Despite EU Pressure
Amid calls from the EU for stricter smoking regulations, Greeks continue to defy indoor smoking bans, highlighting a cultural resistance.
The article text:
As smoking rates struggle under the weight of European Union (EU) regulations, Greece stands defiantly apart from its counterparts, expressing reluctance to extend smoking bans to outdoor areas. This nation, which boasts one of the highest rates of smoking in Europe, generally discards a decade-long indoor smoking ban, with many patrons lighting cigarettes openly in bars and cafes.
Notably, a recent health profile published by the European Commission indicated that tobacco smoking was linked to approximately 20% of Greece’s deaths in 2019. Despite these alarming consequences, a cultural sense of normalcy continues to surround smoking in Greece, leading many to hold onto the habit from either addiction, rebellion, or their perceived ability to circumvent the law.
"The presence of regulatory gaps leads smokers to exploit the system," explained Stathis Papachristou, a psychologist with the National Public Health Organization's smoking cessation office. Current estimates indicate that over one-third of Greeks still smoke, making the country Europe’s second-highest smoking nation after Bulgaria.
Though Greece implemented a smoking ban in all indoor public spaces in 2010, compliance has been a significant issue. Although the statistics agency reported a decline in smoking following the initial ban, violations persisted. Consequently, in 2019, authorities enforced stricter regulations, adding hefty fines for both individuals—up to 100 euros (about $105)—and businesses, which could face penalties as severe as 10,000 euros. The introduction of a complaints hotline aimed to bolster enforcement efforts, but the battle against habitual smoking continues to face a cultural revival.
As smoking rates struggle under the weight of European Union (EU) regulations, Greece stands defiantly apart from its counterparts, expressing reluctance to extend smoking bans to outdoor areas. This nation, which boasts one of the highest rates of smoking in Europe, generally discards a decade-long indoor smoking ban, with many patrons lighting cigarettes openly in bars and cafes.
Notably, a recent health profile published by the European Commission indicated that tobacco smoking was linked to approximately 20% of Greece’s deaths in 2019. Despite these alarming consequences, a cultural sense of normalcy continues to surround smoking in Greece, leading many to hold onto the habit from either addiction, rebellion, or their perceived ability to circumvent the law.
"The presence of regulatory gaps leads smokers to exploit the system," explained Stathis Papachristou, a psychologist with the National Public Health Organization's smoking cessation office. Current estimates indicate that over one-third of Greeks still smoke, making the country Europe’s second-highest smoking nation after Bulgaria.
Though Greece implemented a smoking ban in all indoor public spaces in 2010, compliance has been a significant issue. Although the statistics agency reported a decline in smoking following the initial ban, violations persisted. Consequently, in 2019, authorities enforced stricter regulations, adding hefty fines for both individuals—up to 100 euros (about $105)—and businesses, which could face penalties as severe as 10,000 euros. The introduction of a complaints hotline aimed to bolster enforcement efforts, but the battle against habitual smoking continues to face a cultural revival.
