Cyprus anti-addiction authority responds to underage drinking incident in Limassol

Following a recent incident involving mass underage alcohol consumption at a Halloween event in Limassol, the Cyprus Anti-Addictions Authority (AAEK) has announced a series of strategic interventions to curb the risks associated with alcohol use among minors. The Authority, which serves as the national coordinating body for substance abuse issues, has prioritized the protection of individuals under 25, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter enforcement of existing legislation.

Key policy measures include increasing the minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol from 17 to 18 years, intensifying age-verification checks at commercial venues, and applying stricter sanctions against businesses that serve alcohol to minors. Furthermore, the Authority is launching a nationwide educational program for parents and professional training sessions for individuals in the service industry to ensure responsible alcohol sales.

Currently, police investigations into the specific events in Limassol are ongoing. The Authority maintains that preventing similar future incidents requires collaborative action between government bodies, law enforcement, and the public, with a focus on institutional oversight and professional accountability.