Greece's Independent Authority for Public Revenue has ordered a 48 hour shutdown of a popular beach bar in Pounta on the island of Paros. Inspectors from the agency discovered that the venue failed to issue 174 receipts worth more than 10,000 euros during an audit on 21 August.
The enforcement action forms part of an intensive nationwide inspection campaign carried out across tourist destinations and commercial sectors with high tax interest.
Islands targeted in summer checks
Between 14 August and 20 August, teams from the authority conducted targeted checks across Greece that led to operational suspensions and fines. On Mykonos, officials found a passenger transport vehicle operating on 19 August without issuing 25 receipts.
On the island of Santorini, inspectors reported on 20 August that a preschool education and childcare business failed to provide 32 receipts. A total of 75 violations were recorded against the business for receipts valued at over 10,000 euros.
Repeat offenders face longer closures
A hair salon on Santorini was handed a 96 hour operational suspension after auditors discovered 164 unissued receipts. Authorities stated that the heavier penalty was imposed because the venue was a repeat offender.
On Poros, a branch operating in catering and sunbed rentals was ordered to close for 96 hours after inspectors found 16 cases of unissued receipts. The longer closure was mandated because the business had received a previous suspension.
Catering venues penalised on Chios and Samos
Food service businesses on Chios and Samos were also hit with temporary closures. On Chios, auditors identified 16 instances of unissued receipts totaling 2,217.12 euros, leading to a 48 hour suspension.
A catering establishment on Samos was also ordered to shut for 48 hours after inspectors logged 16 missing receipts.
Role of the tax agency
The Independent Authority for Public Revenue, known as AADE, is the state body responsible for managing tax compliance and collecting public revenue in Greece. The agency regularly increases field audits in coastal resorts during peak summer months to combat tax evasion.
Tax officials stated that nationwide checks will continue, using data analysis and intelligence gathering to deploy inspection teams to areas and activities of heightened tax interest.
