Statement by Mr. Angelos Binis: We respect our fellow man, we comply with the law

The Inspectors-Auditors of the National Transparency Authority (NTA) in cooperation with members of the Hellenic Police carried out on Saturday night, 02.11.2019, and the early morning hours of Sunday, 03.11.2019, audits with the existing provisions on the protection of tobacco products in Athens, Thessaloniki and Larissa.

These audits are part of the effort to empower the existing social majority that demands and actively supports initiatives to improve public health, social well-being and the standard of living of our country's citizens. With a focus on respect for our fellow human beings, the younger generation, mothers, older citizens and vulnerable social groups who claim their right to enjoy going out with their families, the company of their friends, their sport and, in general, any social activity in an environment free from the unpleasant consequences of passive smoking, the joint actions of the National Transparency Authority (NTA) and the Hellenic Police.

The joint actions aim to inform and raise awareness of all parties involved about the benefits to society and the economy as a whole from the respect of the anti-smoking provisions, while recording the concerns and anxieties of entrepreneurs operating in the sectors covered by the relevant provisions.

As a general observation, it is worth noting that the vast majority of the business operators - shop representatives checked were cooperative and showed professionalism and understanding of the importance of respecting the institutional framework to ensure public health and respect for non-smokers.

Α. Overview of findings of audits carried out on 02 & 03 November 2019 in three cities:

1. Larissa: The audits were carried out both in central and peripheral parts of the city in a total of twenty-two businesses of various categories, such as: entertainment centres, cafeterias, restaurants-bars, taverns and playgrounds. Three establishments had more than 30 patrons smoking and four establishments had 10-19 smokers. Also, in addition to the above, in seven establishments, although no smokers were found at the time of the inspection, there was a strong smell of smoke and ashtrays on the tables. Also, there was no smoking signage.There was no smoking in the playgrounds and no ashtrays on the tables.

2. Thessaloniki: A total of twenty-one establishments were inspected, including: restaurants, taverns, fast food outlets and bar-cafeterias in the areas of Aristotelous Square, Ladadika, Nikis Avenue, and White Tower. In 18 establishments with a number of patrons 20-220, no smokers were found, while the existence of signage and the absence of ashtrays from the tables were also recorded. Smoking was found in 3 shops, in particular in the first 10 out of a total of 70 patrons, in the second 10 out of a total of 90 patrons (use of hookah) and in the third 35 out of a total of 85 patrons. In five establishments there were no signs and/or other deterrent measures in place.

3. Athens: A total of fifteen restaurants & bar-cafeterias in the areas of Ambelokipi and Keramikos were checked, for some of which there were complaints to the Hellenic Police. In nine shops, some of which had 100-160 patrons at the time of the inspection, no one was smoking. In two shops 4 smokers were recorded out of a total of 15-20 patrons in each of them. In three shops, there were signs but due to the nature of their activity there were several hookah smokers. One of the premises checked was an open roof garden.

Β. Examples of assistance and recommendations on prevention & deterrence measures

1. The manager/representative of the establishment is asked to address the smokers about the smoking ban, who complied immediately
2. It is requested that the no smoking signs in all premises be increased and made larger, more numerous and more visible
3. Ashtrays are requested to be removed from the tables
4. The manager/representative is informed of the exact meaning of "indoor space"
5. Record concerns of store manager/representative regarding terms used in the relevant provisions.