Greece has rolled out three new digital tools designed to improve enforcement against underage access to alcohol and tobacco.
Together, these systems aim to modernize inspections, close loopholes and create a more transparent framework for businesses and authorities.
Event registry for private youth gatherings
The first tool introduces a digital event registry for venues that host private gatherings involving minors. Venue operators must now log basic event details through the national gov.gr platform before the gathering takes place.
This record helps authorities verify the legitimacy of events and, importantly, prevents venues from using “private party” claims to allow minors into spaces where alcohol is served.
Once the venue submits the information, the event organizer confirms it digitally. This confirmation automatically generates a private agreement between the two parties. As a result, inspectors gain clearer insight into which events require oversight and where potential violations may occur.
Nationwide product tracking for alcohol and tobacco sellers
The second digital tool focuses on retailers. Every business that sells alcohol or tobacco must now register the exact categories of products it offers. Although the process is quick, it creates a nationwide, up-to-date map of all sales points. Additionally, each retailer receives a unique QR code that verifies their registration.
This system makes inspections far more targeted. Inspectors can immediately check whether a shop is selling items it has actually registered. Therefore, unlicensed or undeclared sales become much harder to hide.
QR-Based age verification for In-Store and online purchases of alcohol
The third tool introduces a modern age-verification method based on technology used in Greece’s digital wallet applications. Sellers simply scan a QR code displayed on a customer’s phone through Gov.gr Wallet or KidsWallet. The system instantly confirms whether the customer is underage, without revealing any personal data.
The same process applies to e-commerce. When buying alcohol or tobacco online, the customer scans a QR code displayed during checkout, ensuring a consistent age-verification standard across physical and digital marketplaces.