Greece is one of European countries that is known for its most-addicted smokers. For this reason the government declared July 1 the “smoke-free day”, for the third time in the last decade, thus trying to reduce the huge smoking rates, as almost a half of all Greece population is smoking. Also the government attempts to reduce the expenses on treating the smoking-related diseases because each year the country spends more than € 2 billion.

If the ban comes into force, business owners will have to adapt their smoking customers in the best way. In accordance with the new legislation, smoking is forbidden in all public places, buildings and also in the public transport. Nevertheless, according to the ultimate amendment to the law, small establishments of less than 70 sq. m. would decide themselves to either become smoke-free or remain smoking-friendly. However if they chose the second variant, they should allow entrance only to smoking patrons. Other conditions for these arrangements consist in proving by the business owners evidences that they are able to maintain the corresponding level of air-conditioning and informing people with a special sign that smoking is permitted.

The accommodations larger than 70 square meters have to design special smoking sections comprising 25% of the area and separate them from the remaining part of the premises, providing them with corresponding ventilation. Café and restaurants that organize live music concerts have to separate their premises into smoking and non-smoking section constructing a two-meter wide glass wall. Moreover it should be prohibited entrance to smoking sections for minors.

As concerns office centers, corporations with not more than 50 employees have to ban smoking completely and where there are employed more than 50 people it is allowed to design specialized smoking- rooms.

According to the Head of Greek Public Health Ministry Dimitris Avramopoulos the most difficult part consist in establishing the legislation in a correct manner. He stated that he hopes the recent measure would be helpful in reduction of smoking rates in the country.

Greece has been trying to carry into execution smoking ban since the middle of 19th century. The latest attempt was realized in 2002, but people just ignored the law. Greeks are Europe’s greater smokers, mostly because of the lack of any limitations as for example in other EU countries.

Up to a hundred of agents were charged to enforce the legislation by the Health Ministry. Those who violate the regulation will have to pay a 500 euro fine and business owners will have to pay 2.000 euros.

This enactment puts Greece in line with many developed EU countries such as France, Spain and Italy, where regulations of such king were imposed to protect people from second-hand smoke.

Nearly 60 % of all population is exposed to passive smoking every day, thus making it the gravest rate across the EU.