Greeks Fear Olympic Rip-offs

The Greek authorities are distributing price lists of commonly bought items, including kebabs and bottles of water, in an attempt to stop local businesses from ripping off visitors to the Olympic games.

The leaflets, which come in several languages including Chinese, will be distributed at Athens airports and other entry points in the run-up to and during the August 13-29 games.

The first government-endorsed lists are expected to appear tomorrow.

Last week, Greece's Restaurant Association admitted that establishments had already doubled prices in popular tourist areas in Athens. "Hundreds of inspectors will also visit restaurants and shops during the games to make sure prices are not being inflated," said Kleanthis Hatzinikolaidis, a spokesman at the development ministry. "This is a practice that brings shame to our country and has to stop."

About 400 specially trained municipal police officers will also make inspection tours during the games.

With more than half of the Olympics' 5.3m available tickets still unsold, officials are desperate to attract visitors by assuring them that they will not fall victim to profiteers. "We will make a special announcement when we unveil and explain the lists," said Andreas Banoutsos, an adviser to the minister of commerce.

In a sign of the scale of the problem, non-profit groups such as the Institute for the Protection of Consumers yesterday began distributing their own lists.

Items ranged from fast food to alcoholic drinks, bus tickets, beach umbrellas and visits to the doctor. Tourists were also warned about wayward taxi drivers and restaurateurs who "forget" to hand out receipts.