Turkish Government adopts alcohol bill imposing restrictions
General Assembly of the Turkish Parliament adopted a controversial alcohol bill prepared by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) bringing restrictions on the sale and advertising of alcoholic beverages yesterday. The bill was passed despite strong objections from opposition against the bill on the grounds of personal freedom and respect for lifestyle choices.
According to the new bill sales of alcohol is banned between 10 pm and 6 am.
In spite of the protests from the opposition the draft was put on the agenda and was adopted early in the morning of May 24 after harsh debates.
It was interesting to see how swiftly the ruling party (AKP) acted in bringing the legislative package to the agenda of Parliament’s General Assembly.
The bill says retailers will no longer be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The amendments were strongly criticized by opposition which argued that such a ban should not include touristic regions.
An AKP deputy commented that such restrictions were in place in many Western countries and said “This approach of night prayers and morning prayers saddened me. In Sweden, the retail sale of alcohol is forbidden after 7 p.m. on weekdays, 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 24 hours on Sundays. There are similar restrictions in all Scandinavian countries,” he said.
Musa Çam, a deputy from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) said “No one can be forced to drink or not to drink. This is a religious and ideological imposition. This is not a struggle against the ills of alcohol but an attempt to re-design the society according to their beliefs and lifestyle,” he added.
All sorts of advertising campaigns will be completely banned, such as promotions, sponsored activities, festivals and free giveaways. The only exception will be the international fairs aimed at international marketing of the alcoholic beverages.
Violators of the advertising ban will be punished with financial penalties ranging from 5000 to 200,000 Turkish liras.
Under the bill, alcohol companies would no longer be allowed to promote their brands and logos, these can only be used as part of service inside the facility.
