Although there has been a stir in recent days over reports of an alleged ban on grills at festivals, the reality is different: there is no new legislation, but There is a law—in fact, one that has been in effect since 2021—that sets strict conditions for food service at events, and its enforcement has been left to chance.
Faced with pressure from its own lawmakers, the government attempted to deflect the criticism by referring to «fake news.» However, as confirmed by a report in aftodioikisi.gr, the current legal framework is absolutely clear and has been in effect since 2021: it stipulates that responsibility for trade fairs lies with the municipalities ή church organizations, and food may be prepared or sold only from licensed food service establishments or mobile food carts, not by cultural associations that lack permits or are not subject to oversight criteria.
Who is responsible?
According to the articles Sections 40 and 48 of Law 4849/2021, the authorities responsible for enforcing the law are:
- The Municipalities, who may establish the terms of participation and issue operating regulations.
- The Regions, which monitor and oversee compliance with public health regulations.
- The prosecuting authorities, which can intervene whenever there is a threat to public health or a violation of the law.
- And of course, the government, which is responsible for providing clear guidelines and ensuring the uniform application of the law throughout the country.
It should be noted that to date, The law has been enforced only once, specifically in the Local Community of Skotoussa in the Municipality of Serres in 2023, following the prosecutor’s intervention.
What the restaurant industry is asking for
The PASKEDI, the Panhellenic Association of Food Service Establishments and Consumers has sent an official letter to the prime minister and the relevant ministers calling for the issuance of explicit circular which will make it clear that food service at events must be provided exclusively by licensed food service professionals. They are also calling for uniform inspection standards for everyone and an end to the «illegal sale» of food by associations that do not pay taxes and lack licenses or certifications.
The question remains:
Will the law be enforced this year, or will the government continue to turn a blind eye, leaving local authorities to «clean up the mess» on such a critical issue concerning the public health, the security, but also the equal treatment of professionals;
The answer will become clear at the summer festivals…
