Turkish PM refutes charge of intervention in lifestyles through alcohol restrictions

ISTANBUL

Retailers are no longer allowed to sell alcoholic beverages between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and the sale of alcohol near schools and places of worship are also forbidden in Turkey, according to the bill. DHA photo

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan today refuted claims that the government was interfering in people’s lifestyles with the restrictions on the sale of alcohol that came into effect on Sept. 9.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of TÜMEXPO commercial fair in Istanbul, Erdoğan blamed the alcohol consumption for the high number of traffic accidents in Turkey.

“Those who claim we intervene in people’s lifestyles should look at the regulations in the United States, in the West,” Erdoğan said, asserting that the government should even take further measures on the issue.

Reiterating his government’s sensitivity on the issue, Erdoğan denied the alcohol restrictions were brought in with a religious motive, claiming the main reason for this regulation was people’s happiness and health.

“Everyone can live freely respecting his/her own faith,” Erdoğan has said.

The controversial law placing limits on the sale and advertising of alcoholic beverages in Turkey took effect as of Sept.9.

Retailers are no longer allowed to sell alcoholic beverages between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and the sale of alcohol near schools and places of worship will also forbidden, according to the bill.