GREECE GOVERNMENT ALLOWS BIG LOOPHOLE FOR SMOKING BAN
August 1st, 2011
BY MICHAEL KOSIMEDES
A SIGNIFICANT loophole has emerged in the public place smoking ban imposed since September 1, 2010 in Greece, home of some of the world's keenest smokers. The government has now extended for two years an exemption, (initially expiring on June 1), allowing smoking in entertainment venues exceeding 300 square metres in size, notably casinos and popular music halls (bouzoukia), if they buy a smoking permit costing Euro EUR200 per square metre per season.
As the measure is expected to bring in at least EUR40 million to the cash strapped Greek ...
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