Smoking in Greece

With effect of 1 September 2010, this law banned smoking and the consumption of tobacco products by other means, in all work places, transport stations, taxis and passenger ships (smoking was already prohibited on trains, buses and aeroplanes), as well as in all enclosed public places including restaurants, night clubs, etc., without any exception.

[6] The Harvard School of Public Health will also help Greece conduct research, organize conferences and train all the officials who will be involved in imposing the ban.

[7] Finally, in October 2019, the law was further amended to expressly include a ban on all "equivalent" products, such as vaping devices, e-cigarettes and other inhaled products in the aforementioned enclosed spaces plus large-surface nightclubs, which were previously exempted, and sheltered outdoor spaces of bars and restaurants that are not exposed at least on two sides.

Moreover, the law was reinforced with provisions rendering the police authorities responsible for the enforcement of the ban, with even stricter fines for customers and businesses alike, with a helpline for complaints (initially by phone, now online) and with anti-smoking campaigns that assisted people to quit smoking.

[9] A new amendment to the current law is envisaged to more accurately describe those sheltered outdoor areas of bars and restaurants that will be obliged to prohibit smoking (e.g. spaces protected with plastic sheeting, canopies and barriers) and to include chewing tobacco products.