Greece warned about gaming ban

The European Commission has warned the government of Greece about a law it passed last year that appeared to prohibit all computer games, a ban that stirred up anger after it resulted in several arrests and the closure of Internet cafes.
Although Greece later clarified that the law only prohibits gambling-related games, the commission was "unsatisfied" with the response and has sent a formal notice requesting more information. The commission said it is also concerned that it was not notified about the law while the law was still in its draft stages, which in this case was a requirement.

Struan Robertson, an attorney at Mason's, said Greece did not follow a European Commission directive that requires countries to give the commission three months' notice before passing a law that concerns "information society services." Robertson believes Greece's parliament never intended the law to ban all computer games. "The way the Greek law was drafted was an absolute mess. It was drafted so widely that using a PlayStation at home would amount to a breach of the law--which is ridiculous," he said.




The commission is also concerned that the law is restricting business activity by causing difficulties for companies that sell and maintain electronic games equipment and programs, particularly in public places.

-quikspy67 =P