in-cyprus 6 November 2025
The Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association supports the possibility of offering alcohol self-tests at pharmacies, allowing citizens to check the amount of alcohol in their system through a simple test.
The self-test procedure, for those who want to ensure they do not exceed legal limits before getting behind the wheel, was recently introduced in Greece with great success. This way, drivers can understand their condition before driving and avoid potential problems with traffic police.
“Pharmacists are positive about conducting alcohol tests”
Speaking to Filenews, the president of the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association, Ploutarchos Georgiades, explained that in countries where self-tests have been introduced at pharmacies, this was done purely as a private initiative for conscientious citizens who want to know if they have exceeded the permitted alcohol limit in their system.
He said the association supports any service that can be offered by pharmacies to citizens. “Pharmacists are positive about conducting alcohol tests,” he said.
He added that the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association is in contact with various companies to import alcohol tests so they can be offered by pharmacies as a private initiative.
How it works
The test is simple to use. Abroad it costs between €5 and €7 per pack and contains two tests. It is based on a colour indication to estimate alcohol levels. For proper evaluation of results, the test must be taken at least 15 minutes after consuming alcohol, not immediately.
Indicative levels: 0 – Negative (white) 0.2 – Low amount 0.5 – High indication 0.8 – Very high indication (red)
Application in other countries
Besides Greece, France is one of the countries that requires drivers to have an alcohol test in their car (although non-compliance no longer carries a fine).
The tests are sold widely, including at pharmacies. In addition, many European Union and international countries allow the sale of alcohol tests as simple diagnostic or medical aids at pharmacies, although there is not necessarily a legal requirement for drivers to carry them.
