The restaurant sector emerged as the “champion” in violations once again this year, accumulating the highest fines among all tourism industry sectors. With 1,137 penalties totaling €4.55 million, restaurants and related establishments found themselves at the center of Labor Inspectorate controls during the summer. Specifically, the significant intensification of inspections by the Labor Inspectorate this summer recorded a series of violations in tourism sector businesses, hotels and restaurant establishments. It should be noted that inspections increased by 10% compared to last year. The inspections covered hotels, restaurants, transport companies, and travel agencies as part of efforts to limit undeclared work and violations.
Detailed inspection data for restaurants and hotels
From June to August 2025, 8,141 inspections were conducted, compared to 7,405 in summer 2024. However, the fines imposed were fewer in number and total amount compared to last year:
-1,652 fines in 2025, totaling €6,366,105
-versus 2,221 fines in 2024, totaling €7,362,959.
The reduction in fines, despite increased inspections, shows –according to Inspectorate officials– that businesses are complying more with their obligations.
Restaurants: the sector with the most fines
The restaurant sector topped the violations list again this year:
-5,313 inspections,
-1,137 fines,
-totaling €4.55 million.
In the hotel sector, 2,142 inspections were conducted, with 284 administrative sanctions and fines of approximately €1.5 million.
In transport, inspections reached 529, with 191 fines worth €269,820, while travel services recorded 157 inspections, with 40 violations and a total amount of €36,800.
Strategic targeting
Labor Inspectorate administrator Georgios Tzilivakis stated:
“We remain committed to operational planning and pursue targeted inspections in sectors with higher violation rates, utilizing our staff’s experience and modern digital data analysis tools.”
This strategy, according to the service, aims not only to impose sanctions but also to prevent violations and strengthen compliance in businesses operating in tourism.
The increase in inspections and decrease in total fines shows a trend of gradual compliance in the tourism sector, which constitutes a fundamental pillar of the Greek economy. However, the numbers reveal that the restaurant sector continues to be the industry with the most violations, making it necessary to continue and strengthen targeted inspections in upcoming summers as well.
