In brief
Despite a nationwide ban on indoor smoking introduced in 2010, over a third of Greeks still smoke, with many ignoring regulations. As the EU proposes stricter outdoor smoking bans, Greece's response reflects a deep-rooted cultural acceptance of smoking.
In 2010, Greece instituted a nationwide ban on smoking in indoor public spaces in an effort to curtail the country’s pervasive smoking culture. Fast forward 14 years, and the results show a notable resistance to this legislation. Greeks, notorious for their affinity for cigarettes, continue to light up in bars, restaurants, and clubs—even though the European Union has introduced measures aimed at promoting a tobacco-free generation by 2040.Recent reports indicate that Greece has the second-highest smoking rate in the EU, only trailing behind Bulgaria. A health report from the European Commission highlighted that nearly 20% of the country’s deaths in 2019 were linked to tobacco use, whether through direct smoking or secondhand exposure. However, despite the looming health crisis, many Greeks remain indifferent, opting to smoke either out of habit or defiance given the lax enforcement of existing laws.Psychologist Stathis Papachristou, affiliated with the National Public Health Organization, underlined the challenge in changing public behavior. “When a smoker knows there are gaps in the system they can exploit to smoke, they’re going to do it,” he commented. Consequently, even after the introduction of stricter fines for violators in response to the ineffectiveness of previous regulations, smoking persists unabated.In 2019, Greece implemented a tougher law that increased fines to €100 (about $105) for individuals caught smoking indoors, and up to €10,000 for businesses that failed to enforce the ban. Furthermore, a complaints hotline was set up to facilitate reporting. Yet, many Greeks still engage in smoking without fear of repercussions.As the discussions around outdoor smoking bans gain momentum in the EU, Greece has notably resisted, reflecting a cultural norm where smoking is often viewed as a social activity rather than a public health concern. While the nation grapples with its high smoking rates and health consequences, overcoming this entrenched behavior may prove to be a challenging long-term goal.
