Can a minor buy or drink alcohol?
No: the legal age is 18 — supplying alcohol to a minor is banned. Under Law 5216/2025 (amending Law 3730/2008), selling or serving alcohol to under-18s is banned "by any means", and age verification is mandatory at every point of sale (shops, supermarkets, bars, kiosks), with ID via the Gov.gr Wallet. Minors may not enter, be present at or work in pure bars/entertainment venues, even with a parent. There is now also a criminal offence (up to 3 years' imprisonment) alongside the administrative fine. In short: no, and the seller faces serious risk.
📋 The rules
- Legal age: 18 to buy/be served
- Mandatory age verification at every point of sale
- Minors: no entry/work in pure bars
- Administrative fine €500–€10,000 per violation
- New criminal offence: up to 3 years' imprisonment
🔓 Exceptions
- Private events: a special carve-out (pre-declared to authorities)
- Drinking at home offered by a parent: outside the law's target
- Venues with drinks + food: a minor with a parent may be present
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Supplying alcohol to a minor is punished on two levels in parallel. Administrative: a fine of €500–€10,000 per violation, with licence suspension of 5–10 days escalating to 30 days and finally permanent revocation on repeats. Criminal (new Art. 6A of Law 3730/2008): imprisonment up to 3 years and a monetary penalty, under flagrant-offence procedure. Beware myths: tourist blogs write "fines up to €10,000" but omit the new imprisonment; the old €1,000/€2,000 ceiling is outdated; and the law does not target a parent offering alcohol at home, but the points of sale. To stay compliant as a business: ask for ID whenever in doubt and don't serve minors.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
What's the age limit for alcohol?
The legal age is 18. Selling and serving alcohol to people under 18 is banned by any means, in shops, supermarkets, bars and kiosks. Whenever in doubt, points of sale must ask for ID to confirm the buyer's age.
What does a shop selling to a minor risk?
An administrative fine of €500–€10,000 per violation and licence suspension of 5–10 days, escalating to permanent revocation on repeats. There is now also a criminal offence, with imprisonment up to 3 years, applied in parallel with the fine.
Can a minor enter a bar with their parent?
In pure bars and entertainment venues, minors may not enter, be present or work, even accompanied by a parent. In venues that also serve food, a minor with a parent may be present, but cannot be served alcohol.
Can a parent give alcohol to their child at home?
The law targets points of sale and licensed venues, not a parent's conduct inside the home. Claims that "parents can't serve minors at home" are an exaggeration of the law's actual content.
How is age verified?
Age verification is mandatory at every point of sale. ID can be shown directly or via the Gov.gr Wallet. The shop must refuse the sale if it can't be proven the buyer is at least 18.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “alcohol age limit greece”
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