Trying to re-ban smoking

Almost a decade since the first anti-smoking law passed in parliament, most restaurants, bars and night clubs still refuse to enforce it, with practically no penalty.

Another anti-smoking bill was introduced three years ago, with similar effect. It's quite simple: store owners and customers refuse to enforce it, police and state officials aren't pushing for it enough. And the fact that the country is among those with the heaviest smokers in the world, certainly hasn't helped.

For all the aforementioned reasons, deputy Health minister Zeta Makri has asked for the assistance of Arios Pagos, the country's highest court. With an urgent note to prosecutor Efterpi Koutzamani, the minister asks for the court's assistance and cooperation in the enforcement of the law.

Speaking to the Athens News Agency, Ms Makri was adamant that the law should be strictly and consistently enforced all over the country. The update of the anti-smoking framework is the Health ministry's priority, says the minister, who insists that inspections will continue and intensify.

Very few bars and restaurants disallow smoking, while most simply don't care about any consequences, as there seem to be none. Suffering non smokers are hardly complaining due to the status quo, according to which social activities and smoking are inseparable.

Through a relevant decree, inspectors are given special instructions with regards to the manner, the buildings rating and the frequency of the inspections.