Laws on underage drinking tightening

Following a series of incidents involving underage alcohol consumption, the government is enacting urgent legislation to combat the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

Key proposals include recriminalizing underage sales, requiring sellers to verify buyers' ages, and imposing stiffer fines for repeat offenses. The decision comes after eight minors were hospitalized at an Athens club last week, allegedly from drinking adulterated alcohol at a school-organized event.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has urged swift legislative action, calling for the immediate closure of venues found violating these laws. Doukas noted that administrative delays prevent timely enforcement, a flaw highlighted by the recent incident.

New measures would also treat private events as public gatherings, enabling inspections by police and municipal authorities. Proposed changes will affect...