The recent ban on alcohol consumption in public spaces such as parks and beaches, imposed by the Istanbul Governor’s Office, is now the subject of a legal challenge by the Istanbul Bar Association.
Lawyers are seeking the suspension and cancellation of the circular, arguing that it violates both the Turkish constitution and European conventions. In a statement, the Istanbul Bar Association contended that the circular infringes on citizens’ right to privacy as guaranteed by the 20th article of the Turkish Constitution and the 8th article of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The circular, titled “Alcohol Sale and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages,” justifies these “preventive measures” by claiming that individuals involved in criminal incidents are often intoxicated. The Governor’s Office issued a press release on August 30, stating that complaints lodged with the relevant authorities revealed that those involved in incidents disrupting public order and causing fear and panic among citizens are frequently alcohol consumers.
Under the circular, individuals found drinking alcohol in public can face fines, along with detention until they become sober.
In response, the Istanbul Governor’s Office issued a statement, emphasizing that the ban is not new and that the circular merely serves as a “reminder” to enforce existing regulations.
This prohibition is the latest in a series of measures by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s political Islamist government aimed at restricting alcohol consumption. For the past decade, liquor shops have been prohibited from selling alcohol after 10 p.m., and the government has steadily increased taxes on alcoholic beverages. Over 60% of the retail price of high-alcohol drinks, such as Turkish raki, vodka, and gin, now comprises taxes. The tax rate for a bottle of beer is approximately 55%.
Furthermore, alcohol consumption is already banned at festivals, concerts, and other cultural events, driving many Istanbul residents to consume alcohol in their homes due to the high prices at bars and restaurants.
