Roadmap and Business Plan for the Universal Implementation of the Ban on the Sale of Tobacco and Alcohol to Minors

The main objective of the new institutional framework is to protect minors, prevent addiction at an early age, enhance transparency and market surveillance, improve enforcement and align the country with national and European public health strategies. To this end, the new framework is organised around five main pillars: Prevention and protection of minors, strengthening of market surveillance, regulation of new nicotine products, creation of a digital control register, strengthening of control mechanisms and sanctions.

Common prohibition of sale, distribution and offer to minors

The new framework introduces for the first time a clear and comprehensive ban on the sale, supply and supply of tobacco, nicotine and alcohol products to minors. The responsibility for age verification is explicitly transferred to the seller. If the purchaser does not show proof of age, the sale, supply and offer is prohibited. At the same time, the sale of tobacco and alcohol products through vending machines is completely prohibited.

Digital age verification

For the first time, a digital age verification system is introduced. The age verification will be carried out through the Gov.gr Wallet and Kids Wallet applications. This creates a reliable verification system that effectively limits the accessibility of minors. Specifically, with regard to retail outlets, sellers select the age group for age verification (e.g. over 18) in the Gov.gr Wallet app and a QR code is displayed. The potential buyer scans the QR code either through Gov.gr Wallet or Kids Wallet and allows the age verification certificate to be shared. Subsequently, the seller’s Gov.gr Wallet displays a green or red flag depending on whether or not the age-based sale of the product is allowed. Please note that the exact age of the buyers is not displayed.

Regulations on the admission of minors to places of entertainment – Electronic platform for announcing private events (events.gov.gr)

The entry and stay of minors in bars and nightclubs is prohibited. Exceptionally, private events with the participation of minors are allowed under certain conditions: they must be held in designated areas, they must be held outside the opening hours of the establishment and if they have been previously registered on the events.gov.gr online platform.

Digital Product Control Register – alto.gov.gr

The central tool of the new framework is the Digital Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Non-Tobacco Products Control Register (alto.All natural and legal persons who sell these products at all points of sale throughout the country are compulsorily registered in the register. For the first time it is possible for the first time to fully map the market, targeted control and interoperability between the competent authorities. Upon registration in the Digital Register, a document bearing a QR code is issued. In this way, the legality checks carried out by the competent control authorities are facilitated. During on-the-spot checks, it is possible to scan the QR code of the document and to confirm registration in the Register. Those who sell the relevant products must register at alto.gov.gr by 16 April 2026.

Regulating new nicotine products

The new framework specifically regulates smokeless electric heating products, nicotine products and nicotine sachets. These products are prohibited from being sold to minors, cannot be sold through vending machines, must be placed in special display cases within stores and can only be sold through an employee.

Market surveillance and monitoring

A Special Department shall be set up within the National Public Health Agency for the continuous supervision and monitoring of the market. This department shall be responsible for monitoring the circulation of tobacco and nicotine products, collecting market data and supporting the formulation of public health policies.

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Criminalisation of infringements

The sale, offer or supply of tobacco and alcohol to minors is now a criminal offence. Offences are punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine.

During his opening statement, Health Minister Adonis Georgiades said: “Today’s initiative marks a substantial reform in the field of public health, with a focus on the protection of minors. As a State, we take responsibility to formulate a strict but fair framework that drastically limits young people’s access to tobacco products and alcohol, shielding the younger generation from risks that threaten their health and development. With the new institutional framework we are introducing clear rules, strengthening controls and harnessing the potential of technology for the first time on such a broad scale. Digital age verification and the Digital Audit Trail are critical tools to ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency. It is not just about bans, but about a comprehensive prevention and protection strategy. We are creating an environment where rules are respected and violations have consequences, sending a clear message of zero tolerance. The success of the project requires the cooperation of all: the State, professionals and society. Together we can ensure that our children grow up in a healthier and safer environment, with more prospects for the future.”

The Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou said: “Technology can act as a catalyst for solving real social problems and that is its beauty. Under the coordination of the Minister of State, Akis Skertzos, and in close cooperation with the Ministries of Health and Citizen Protection, we are implementing a coherent digital framework for the protection of minors. With alto.gov.gr we ensure for the first time the complete mapping of the market for tobacco, vaping and alcohol products, enhancing targeted control by the competent authorities. At the same time, through the events.gov.gr platform we are establishing a clear and transparent field for the declaration of private events involving minors, limiting circumvention and facilitating controls. In addition, digital age verification through Kids Wallet and Gov.gr Wallet introduces a secure and reliable process that effectively limits minors’ access to harmful products without unnecessary exposure of personal data. The same approach will be extended to online shopping after a period of adjustment by businesses. This is a reform that is here to stay, so that we can shape a safer environment for our children, and that requires everyone’s support.”

Michalis Chrysochoidis, the Minister of Civil Protection, said: “The protection of minors is our non-negotiable priority and a firm pillar of our policy for a safer, more responsible and more organised society. With the new Road Map and the Operational Plan for the universal implementation of the ban on the sale of tobacco products and alcohol to minors, we are strengthening the institutional framework and creating a more effective system of control and enforcement. We are strengthening the operational part of the implementation of the framework, with more and better targeted controls. With the cooperation of the Ministries of Health and Digital Governance, we are making use of new digital tools that enhance transparency and greater efficiency of controls at points of sale, entertainment venues and health outlets across the country. In particular, since 7 July 2025, with the implementation of the new Law, until 5 March 2026, police services have carried out 82,094 checks, arresting 313 people, and 433 case files have been formed. In the immediate future, these interventions will be further strengthened, with an emphasis on prevention, but also on dealing strictly with each violation.”

Deputy Minister of Health Dimitris Vartzopoulos said: “For the first time the State is moving from a general prohibition to the effective and universal implementation of a comprehensive framework for the protection of minors. By using modern digital tools, clearly transferring responsibility for age verification to sellers and tightening penalties, we are creating a workable system that drastically limits young people’s access to tobacco, nicotine and alcohol. The protection of children and adolescents is not only a matter of compliance with the law, but requires the development of a strong social culture of prevention and responsibility. Cooperation between the State, the scientific community, market professionals, the educational community and the family is crucial if measures are to have a substantial and lasting impact. Our goal is to ensure that young people grow up in an environment that promotes their health, safety and well-being, while strengthening public health and investing in the future of our society. With consistency, determination and modern prevention policies, we are shaping a framework that effectively protects the younger generation.”

See the presentation here