The Mayor of Athens, Harry Doukassent a letter on Saturday to the Minister of the Interior, Theodore Livanius regarding the recent incident at the entertainment center on Vouliagmeni Avenue. In it, Mr. Doukas calls for legislative regulation that will tighten both the penalties and the conditions for granting an operating license.

The letter follows in detail:

“Dear Minister,

On the occasion of the recent incident at an entertainment center on Vouliagmenis Avenue, in which students were exposed to danger after the illegal distribution and consumption of alcohol, the problem of the misdemeanor checks carried out in entertainment venues, as well as the process of licensing and operation of these stores, was highlighted.

The Municipality of Athens immediately intervened in the specific incident and quickly sealed the specific entertainment center, following a unanimous decision of the Municipal Council.

But this incident is not the only one. The testimonies that have seen the light of day show that similar incidents of illegal provision of alcohol to minors also occur in other entertainment venues.

We request legislative regulation for the following:

a) the finding after an inspection of the exposure of a minor to risk as above should lead to the immediate and on-site sealing of the center without the possibility of suspension, and
b) the tightening of the conditions for granting an operating license both in entertainment centers and in general in K.Y.E., in order to ensure that this process is not abused and that all the required hygiene and safety conditions are actually met.

We have a duty to reform the structures and acquire all the means needed to protect children, but also to send a message of zero tolerance to those who break the law.”