Greece attempts to curb smoking

Smoking ban in enclosed public areas

In an effort to reduce Greece’s high smoking rates, smoking in enclosed public spaces was banned on 1 September 2010. If caught doing smoking in these areas, offenders will be fined €10,000. The campaign will include the prohibition of tobacco advertising and the distribution of anti-smoking board games to children.

42% of Greeks over the age of 15 smoke, a figure well above the European average of 29%.

The Greek health ministry said the measures were needed after partial smoking bans over the last eight years were generally ignored. The prime minister, George Papandreou, said: ‘It will contribute to the work we’re doing today that’s aimed at changing attitudes, norms and behaviour to improve our quality of life.’

Source: Guardian.co.uk, 1 September 2010.

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