Greece tax authorities seal businesses over illegal alcohol

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AAΔE) has launched a series of inspections across Greece targeting the illegal trade of alcohol. These enforcement actions have resulted in fines, seizures, and the closure of various businesses, including taverns, cafes, and shops, where undocumented spirits were discovered.

Significant quantities of contraband were identified in several locations. In Tyrnavos, authorities seized 1,438 liters of distillate that had no declared production, leading to charges of alcohol smuggling and a multi-day closure of the facility. In Kalampaki, Drama, a tavern was sealed after inspectors found 919 liters of distillate without legal documentation.

Other notable seizures include 484.40 liters in Volos and 100 liters in Leptokarya, Thesprotia, where an unlicensed distillation unit was also operating. In Evkarpia, Thessaloniki, 107.15 liters were confiscated from a snack bar. The authorities emphasized that these inspections are expanding beyond traditional production areas into urban centers to combat tax evasion and smuggling.