New Rules on Alcohol Create Confusion and Suspicion of Government’s Motives
Posted on May 15th, 2008 by Jenny White
New laws regarding alcohol licensing and sales go into effect today that place confusing restrictions on the sale of alcohol and impose extremely high fines. The government says it is necessary to regulate small, illegal operations (someone setting a table behind their shop and serving alcohol). Others see this as one more effort by the Islam-inflected government to constrict alcohol consumption, in line with the already enormous taxes on wine and other liquor. Turkey’s cities are noted for their fish restaurants with outdoor tables that traditionally serve wine and raki along with mezze appetizers and fish, a legacy of the Ottoman Greek meyhane culture.
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment