Tobacco control

New Health Ministry legislation submitted to Parliament this week foresees smoking being banned in both open-air and closed leisure areas for children as well as the participation of the Greek Police (ELAS) in inspections by municipal officers.

Under policies meant to discourage the public from puffing up, drivers caught smoking in cars in Turkey may face a fine. 

Greek Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias has banned smoking in all public places where there are children. An anti-drug campaign is also starting in Bulgaria's neighbour. Fines of up to 10,000 euro will be imposed on the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to minors, BNR reported.

Eight Bulgarian and international organizations signed a memorandum here on Monday on a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship in the country, writes Xinhua. 

Three suspects were arrested in the campus of Athens University in possession of 2,457 packets of contraband cigarettes, police said.
The suspects, all foreign nationals, face charges of violating Greek customs law.

Attica public health inspectors have imposed a financial penalty on an employee of the capital's G. Gennimata hospital after she was found to be smoking on the premises during an inspection on August 8, it emerged on Friday. 

Montenegro's law to restrict the use of tobacco products, which will ban smoking indoors, comes into force tomorrow, with fines of up to € 20,000 for violators.

A law banning the use of tobacco products in public areas, excluding casinos, was unanimously adopted on July 31st.

The new law does not allow smoking in any premises or areas where food and drinks are consumed.

Regional authorities across Greece on Monday received detailed instructions on the strict implementation of a smoking ban that formally went into force more than a decade ago but has been largely flouted ever since.

Selective implementation of laws is one of Greece's chronic failings, creating inequalities and undermining aspirations for a law-abiding state.

The government's decision to finally implement a smoking ban in enclosed public spaces (one of the toughest laws in Europe) marks a significant step, not just for the obvious health reasons.

As part of a government crackdown, police will play an active role in enforcing Greece's much-flouted anti-smoking law, while a hotline will also be set up so that members of the public can report violations.