Turkish government imposes strict ban on alcohol sales and ads

[Toky]

It's hardly a tizz!! It's a comment that some readers might feel useful when planning spending money for their hols.

[stoop]

Yes they are only bringing laws in line with what we have been used to in the UK for many years. Our off licences don't open too late do they? Also try buying booze in the US and Oz. It's very restricted in those countries. We had a nightmare trying to buy take out beer in Melbourne the other year. In the US we had to find a liquor store which wasn't easy.

I think the worry here is that its all moving so fast and people worry where it will end.

[Jacqui Harvey]

We have noticed a big price rise since our last visit.  Also Calis seems to be quiet, last night restaurants closing at 11.pm.  We were in Georges which seemed was quite busy but Sercuk 1 next door had hardly anyone in and the lights went off and it was closed up.  We have never seen this before.

[KKOB]

In the US we had to find a liquor store which wasn't easy.

Why would you want to find a liquor store which was hard ?

[stoop]

Ha ha - comma missed out! I blame apple  

[echogirl1]

I do feel that the religious reasons for high taxes and restrictions on alcohol sales will put a big dampener on holiday makers.  Don't the Turkish government realise how reliant the country is on the tourist industry.  Most people on their holidays enjoy a drink without getting totally drunk.  Will consider any holiday in Turkey in future, if these laws are passed.

[Scunner]

I do feel that the religious reasons for high taxes and restrictions on alcohol sales will put a big dampener on holiday makers.  Don't the Turkish government realise how reliant the country is on the tourist industry.  Most people on their holidays enjoy a drink without getting totally drunk.  Will consider any holiday in Turkey in future, if these laws are passed.

At last, someone from the real World posts a proper opinion

[stoop]

Hang on! How much difference will it make to your holiday if you can't buy booze in a shop after 10pm?

[kayakebab]

None Stoop.
Don't know what all the fuss is about.
If you want to buy alcohol, go before 10pm

[Marggie]

Not a great deal of difference and the restaurants will just borrow from a neighbouring bar if they run out.

For me this is not the main issue, what really worries me is the "hidden agenda" of this government - the erosion of the secular State of Turkey - the country we all fell in love with.  Posters on here have spoken about the rise in prices of alcohol this year, this will continue to happen as RTE has stated that he will continue to levy heavy taxes on alcohol.  A couple of years down the line alcohol will be so expensive that bars and restaurants will be unable to survive.  How much fun will a ghost town Calis be then? Will you still want to come on holiday?  Maybe you will want to sell your property, who will want to buy?

There are many other areas where we see secularism being eroded but I won't bore you

Changes in the law regarding drunken driving, the wearing of seat belts, crash helmets etc. can only be a good thing but only if enforced.