New business inspection rules ‘too soft’ on violators

Environmental protection groups on Tuesday expressed concern over new business inspection protocols which they say are way too soft on offenders.

According to legislation being drafted by the Economy Ministry, inspectors will have to issue a series of recommendations to business owners found in violation of safety, sanitation or environmental rules before any penalties are considered. In the event that penalties are imposed, these have to be lenient enough so as “not to hamper the activity’s growth.” Inspectors will also have to alert business owners of impending inspections well in advance.

“Certain parts of the bill appear influenced by the bizarre notion that compliance with the law… has a negative effect on activity growth,” conservation group WWF Greece said on Tuesday.

“The draft law shapes a distorted system that weakens rather than strengthens inspections,” added the Citizens’ Inspectorate for Sustainable Development.