The Greek government's ban on web-based computer games has been reinstated by an appeals court meaning that two cyber cafe owners and their employee could go to prison.

A lower court decision earlier this month rejected the case against two Thessaloniki cyber cafe owners and a member of staff, describing the law as unconstitutional.

But the appeals court judge disagreed and ordered a retrial. A date has yet to be set for the new hearing.

The decision effectively means that, if the Greek police catch people playing internet games in a cyber cafe, the owner, the player and any employees could face prison or a fine of at least €5,000 (£3,160) each.

Nik Kotsilimpa, a Greek IT analyst living in Thessaloniki, explained that the move will effectively close internet cafes in a country which is already retarded in its use of IT.

"Internet cafes are the only way that poorer people can get internet access, and games are the introduction to IT for many young people," he said.

"Internet cafes do not make money from people who check their email; they make money from kids playing games.

"Our government has thrown our country's internet development into the Dark Ages and will increase dependence on foreign IT experts."

The legislation, which was intended to crack down on illegal gambling, has already shut down amusement arcades across Greece.