Alcohol sales banned at Dilek Peninsula National Park

KUŞADASI – Doğan News Agency

The sale of alcoholic beverages on the premises inside the Dilek Peninsula National Park in the Aegean province of Aydın has been banned.

“We have been given a written notice and told not to sell alcohol on May 4. Moreover, they have said the vehicles of wholesalers who deliver alcohol will not be allowed in,” said Kuşadası district mayor Özer Kayalı on May 6, recalling that the premises were rented by the municipality’s company, Arya, from the National Parks General Directorate in 2014.

“They have tried to ban alcohol sales before, claiming we had not obtained a permit from the National Parks General Directorate. But the premises are defined as a ‘countryside tavern’ in tender specifications,” said the mayor.

Kayalı, a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), also said Arya has been operating the premises of the Dilek Peninsula National Park and others at the İçmeler, Aydınlık, Karasu and Kavaklıburun bays and beaches at a loss.

“We have aimed to keep those places in the right hands, operating decently instead of driving profits. It is specified as a ‘countryside tavern’ but they have handed a notice to prevent the sale of alcohol … Frankly, we have been considering to withdraw from this place. We will hold a meeting with the National Parks General Directorate. Then we will consider every option, including withdrawal,” he said.

The mayor also called for support from the municipal councilors who are members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and opposition İYİ (Good) Party.

The number of people visiting the Dilek Peninsula National Park, which also contains the Büyük Menderes River delta, reaches up to 15,000 daily during the summer season.

The National Parks General Directorate, operating under the jurisdiction of the Forest and Water Management Ministry, often prohibits the sale of alcohol on its premises.