Smoking fines add €1.5m to state coffers over last decade

Since 2015, police have issued 17,624 fines for smoking in prohibited areas, ranging from €85 to €2,000 each, adding over €1.5 million to state coffers.

The police, however, have been complaining for years that this adds to their workload and, according to the law, other departments could do the job, thus freeing the force to deal with real police work.

Data available till June 2024 show that most cases of smoking were reported in pubs, bars and nightclubs.

In 2020 and 2021, very few cases were reported, due measures to contain the coronavirus.

The law provides for €85 out-of-court settlements for patrons and €850 fines and criminal prosecution for the owners of establishments allowing indoor smoking.

If convicted, the law provides for fines up to €2,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment.

The court may also order the suspension of operation of any business for up to four days.

Politis printed statistical data for each year, with a whopping 7,852 fines issued in 2015 and only 48 in 2021.

During the past decade, the police also booked parents and professional drivers for smoking in vehicles in the presence of children under the age of 18.

These cases did not exceed 16 per year, with only four in the first half of 2024.

Police carry out regular checks for smoking in private or public vehicles, in the framework of legislation to protect children.

Studies have shown that passive smoking can cause inter alia nicotine dependence, depression, sleep disorders and stress in children.

Smoking restrictions include tobacco products, vaping and nargileh.

The police for years have been saying that other departments should become involved in enforcing the law on smoking, to allow the police to carry out their main duties – public order and safety.

The law stipulates that health and labour inspectors, as well as customs, tourism, medical, municipality and consumer protection officers, can all carry out checks and issue fines.

When the issue was raised in parliament, the health ministry had refused to consent because previous experience had shown that people did not cooperate, a problem solved with the presence of a police officer, Politis wrote.

Anyone obstructing public officers from carrying out their duties is guilty of an offence and faces fines of up to €2,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment.

Smoking is allowed outdoors and in specially designated and well-ventilated smoking areas in airport and port departure lounges and hotel cigar lounges, with entrance barred to children and pregnant women.