A series of violations by nightclub and bar owners who served **alcohol** to **minors** were recorded during the summer, resulting in the arrest of 99 individuals. This was highlighted in a social media message by Minister of Citizen Protection **Michalis Chrysochoidis**, emphasizing that for the government, the health and protection of minors – not only from alcohol but also from violence and other forms of addiction – is a priority.
The minister’s post:
“The protection of minors from violence, as well as from various forms of addiction such as tobacco products, alcohol, and the internet, is a fundamental priority of the Government and the Ministry of Citizen Protection.
The Hellenic Police has characteristically elevated the protection of minors as a core component of the new Community Policing philosophy through actions such as soft policing patrols, as well as tools like the five-digit telephone line “10201” and the “SafeYouth” app. Just a few days ago, the Narcotics Investigation Sub-Directorate of the Organized Crime Combat Directorate (DAOE) proceeded with the arrest of an individual accused of trafficking vaping devices containing cannabis. Devices with bright colors and special designs that make them attractive to minors. This practice shows the continuous evolution of criminals, organized and otherwise, and the role the internet plays in this.
In July, the new law from the Ministry of Health for the protection of minors from tobacco and alcohol products was passed. A modern law that covers cases like the one I mentioned earlier. An advanced protection network that our country needed, as did parents and especially the minors themselves. One of the key provisions of this law is the inclusion of the Police in the control bodies for the distribution and sale of tobacco and alcohol products to minors. This may seem obvious, but it wasn’t, as decisions by previous governments had excluded the Police from this supervisory authority, resulting in the collapse of the entire control system and tragic incidents involving the exposure of minors to alcohol, even adulterated alcohol. This has now changed.
From early July until August 31st, implementing the new law, police services conducted 14,112 nationwide inspections on their own and 78 inspections in collaboration with other competent authorities. From these, 99 violations emerged and relevant case files were formed, while 94 arrests were made and 70 fines were issued. 61 cases involved the sale and distribution of alcohol to minors, while one case file was also formed for neglect of minor supervision. The life and safety of our children is our highest priority. We will continue and intensify inspections for the full implementation of the law. No tolerance for those who expose our children to danger or violence.”
