Is smoking in public buildings now banned in Greece, and if so is it strictly enforced?

Question

and is it popular?

Additional Details

knowledgeable answers only

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

there is a big risk of anal attacks in greek public buildings

Answer 2

You've already learned that the law to ban smoking came into effect on July 1 this year. I can't answer for the whole of Greece, but here in Crete, where I live, it is certainly NOT strictly enforced.

During the nice warm summer days nobody really cared because it was perfect to sit outside and just continue smoking. Now that the cold rainy weather has arrived I see more and more places where people smoke inside.

The problem is -- as usual -- that the government has little means to enforce this ban. Only last week I've read that there have been 172 inspections carried out. That's for the whole of Greece but most probably is limited to Athens. That's a joke.

The problem is compounded by the typical Greek attitude of ignoring the law if it doesn't suit us (just look at where and how we park our cars). We'd rather pay the fine and continue with our life the way *we* think it should be led. The government itself sets an example by ignoring a gazillion of European regulations and paying the fines because the profit from ignoring the laws are higher than the fines.

Answer 3

As you've already been told, yes, there is one such law now and it's a part of Brussels' plan to make us all the same. I'm Portuguese, from the Porto area, but I lived in Athens back in 1990/91 and I can certainly appreciate the "Greek way of life" regarding certain rules nd regulations. In Portugal, there is an anti-smoking law since January 2008 (or was it 2009? Well, anyways...) and it's been planned in a way that almost no one will create smoking areas because it is so complicated no one really knows what it's like exactly - on purpose. Plus, loads of Portuguese who never ever cared that much about other people's smoke suddenly started reacting violently and selfishly (the smokers are supposed to be selfish) against smokers, almost as if this were New York, where the loonies in power intend to prohibit smoking in public gardens and terraces. As a smoker, I agree that smoking is bad for one's health. But I also know that living is dangerous for everyone anyway. Sometime sooner than you may think, Brussels may ban alcohol, then coffee, then chocolates, then meat. These people are sure they always know what's best for the stupid rest of us who can't take care of our own existence. This is a kind of dictatorship in my book. Anyhow, I agree that it may be wise not to be able to smoke every single where. And then, I take a look at Spain, our closest neighbour, where the owners of bars and restaurants, for example, are free to decide whether they allow smoking or not. In result, there are places where you can smoke, places where you can't smoke and places where you can smoke in areas. And people can choose. I find that much more democratic and respectful of everyone's wishes. To finalize, I'm a high school teacher. We always had a smoking room for teachers in schools. Now, we must go outside the school, be it hot or cold, subby or rainy, if we want to have a smoke. How bad was it really for non-smokers that some teachers smoked in a separate room after all? In short, I'm glad that the Greek spirit hasn't died. With all its faults, at least they're not all trying to be Germans.

Answer 4

I just came back from Greece two weeks ago...and they where smoking in all public places we had no problem...one Greek guy told me they will fight it cause otherwise they will loose custom.
I went to a lovely Island called Paxos and they allowed us to smoke any where we want!!!
And they people was so friendly...I will go back again..it's not you're normal drunken yobs..but nice and friendly locals and very relaxing!!!

Answer 5

Yes it's banned since July. However it is only enforced very lightly. A lot of restaurants & bars still allow it ; being near an open wall or under a canopy is near enough to outside for most people!

Answer 6

Yes, and generally it is applied, but many places still have smoking areas also, whereas they should be completely non-smoking.
BTW, call 1142 to report violations.

Answer 7

I have no idea, but if it is, I'm sure it is as enforced as it is in North America.

Answer 8

yeah it should be by now, but not all of greece yet, people are still smokeing inside the malls

Answer 9

yes for the first question and no for the second