PERIPTERO
The
periptero, or cigarette kiosk, is as much a part of Greece as tavernas
or ouzo. Now under threat from anti-smoking laws and increased taxation
on tobacco, these wooden cubes, usually painted yellow, were
established after the war to provide employment for war veterans and
mostly have been passed down the family line. As a general rule, in
urban areas only the periptero is allowed to sell cigarettes
and tobacco. In some cases, especially in rural
areas, kafeneions, the 'village shop' and petrol
stations may also have a limited stock.
In addition to cigarettes the
periptero usually has a stock of phone cards, ice
creams and
confectionery, soft drinks, magazines, postcards, etc. Some periptera
will accept credit card payment for cigarette cartons, some won’t.
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Traditional
periptero, Poros plateia, Kefalonia
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