Alcohol-Free Beer In Turkey: What's The Deal?

Alcohol laws in Turkey have been subject to much change in recent years, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party imposing increasingly strict regulations on the industry. While drinking alcohol is legal in Turkey for those over the age of 18, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages are restricted. Alcohol is available in licensed supermarkets, markets, shops, and duty-free airport stores, but only between the hours of 6 am and 10 pm. The Turkish government has implemented high taxes on alcoholic drinks, making them more expensive than in other countries.

Alcohol is available in Turkey, but only at certain times

Alcohol is available in Turkey, but its consumption is restricted to certain times and places. Alcohol is widely consumed by the Turkish people, especially in the western and coastal areas of the country. Drinking is an integral part of social gatherings and conversations among family and friends. While Turkey is a Muslim-majority country, alcohol consumption is legal for those above the age of 18.

The sale of alcohol is permitted only between 6 am and 10 pm. While alcoholic drinks can be purchased from licensed supermarkets, markets, shops, and duty-free stores, they are prohibited from being sold online or advertised in the media and public spaces. Alcohol cannot be purchased after 10 pm, but it can still be consumed in restaurants, bars, hotels, and other licensed entertainment facilities, which can serve alcohol 24 hours a day without any restrictions.

The availability and consumption of alcohol in Turkey are influenced by the country's cultural, historical, and religious factors. Turkey has a long history of alcohol consumption dating back to ancient times, but as a Muslim-majority country, alcohol consumption is frowned upon by the Islamist-rooted ruling party. The country's secular nature and ancient cultural traditions have allowed alcohol consumption to continue, albeit with increasing restrictions.

In recent years, the Turkish government has imposed stricter regulations on alcohol sales and consumption. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, a nationwide ban on alcohol sales was implemented for nearly three weeks, coinciding with the end of Ramadan. This ban was seen as a move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to promote Islam in the country's politics and shift Turkey's orientation from Europe and the US towards the Middle East.

Turkey's alcohol industry has faced challenges due to high taxes, restrictions on sales and marketing, and proposed financial collateral requirements. These obstacles have impacted small and medium-sized producers, particularly winemakers and breweries, threatening their survival in the local market and hindering their export potential. Despite these challenges, alcohol remains available in Turkey, albeit with time and place limitations.

Alcohol is heavily taxed in Turkey

The high tax rates on alcohol in Turkey have had several economic and social impacts. On the one hand, they have contributed to a substantial increase in government revenue, with alcohol taxes accounting for 1.9% of Turkish tax revenues in 2022, the fourth-highest level among EU countries. On the other hand, the high taxes have led to a rise in smuggling and illegal production of alcoholic beverages, with reports of increased bootlegging and alcohol poisoning incidents in the country.

The taxation of alcohol in Turkey is closely tied to the country's cultural and religious context. Turkey has a significant Muslim population, with 83% of Turks identifying as teetotal. The country's ruling Islamist-rooted AK Party, led by President Tayyip Erdogan, has been known to frown upon alcohol consumption and has implemented various restrictions on the sale and promotion of alcoholic drinks. These restrictions include a ban on online sales, limitations on marketing and advertising, and prohibitions on selling alcohol near public buildings or schools.

The high taxes on alcohol have also impacted the local alcohol industry, particularly small and medium-sized producers. Winemakers and breweries already face challenges due to the restrictions on alcohol consumption and distribution. The additional financial burden of high taxes and the requirement for financial collateral to cover potential future fines have made it difficult for small producers to survive in the market and develop their export potential. This has resulted in a stagnant multi-billion dollar industry, with some producers being forced to scale down or exit the market altogether.

Alcohol is cheaper in supermarkets than bars and restaurants

Alcoholic drinks are widely consumed in Turkey, and it is easy to buy alcohol in the country. While drinking alcohol is forbidden in Islam, it is consumed relatively freely in Turkey, especially in the more secular, western, and tourist coastal regions.

In Turkey, alcohol is available in over 150,000 stores, including supermarkets, and in most cities, you can find a shop selling alcoholic drinks on almost every corner. However, in smaller, more conservative cities and rural towns, it may be challenging to find alcohol. Additionally, due to low demand and religious reasons, some restaurants and bars may close during Ramadan.

In Turkey, there are also licensed supermarkets, markets, and shops that sell alcohol, but there is a time restriction on alcohol sales. Alcohol can only be purchased between 6 am and 10 pm. On the other hand, restaurants, bars, hotels, and other licensed entertainment facilities are not subject to this restriction and can serve alcohol 24 hours a day.

Now, let's discuss why alcohol is generally cheaper in supermarkets than in bars and restaurants. The main reason is that bars and restaurants have higher operational costs and need to factor in the expenses of running their establishments. They also have different tax structures compared to retail stores, and they often have to pay rental and license fees to serve alcohol. Additionally, bars and restaurants typically sell smaller quantities of alcohol, so their profit margins per unit are usually higher than those of supermarkets. The markup on alcohol in bars and restaurants can be as high as 50-100% compared to the price in shops. This markup is often justified by the ambiance and atmosphere of the establishment.

Furthermore, the type of alcohol also impacts the cost. Bottled and domestic beer are usually the most affordable options for customers, as they are the easiest for bars to serve, requiring no mixers or garnishes. In contrast, wine and liquor are more profitable for bars, especially high-end variants, as the prices can be significantly marked up even with a small decrease in the markup percentage.

Drinking alcohol is prohibited in certain public places

Alcohol consumption is prohibited in certain public places in Turkey. While drinking alcohol is legal in Turkey, there are restrictions on where it can be consumed. Here are some key points to note:

• Drinking alcohol in public places such as mosques, schools, hospitals, and public transportation (including buses, subways, and streets) is prohibited. Violating this law will result in a fine.
• In most restaurants, alcohol consumption is not allowed. In some restaurants, drinking is forbidden in areas with a view of the outside space.
• Alcohol sales and consumption are restricted during certain religious holidays, such as Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, as well as in specific cities and regions, including small towns and religious villages.
• The sale of alcohol is prohibited after 10:00 PM. While specialised stores called "Takals" may remain open, they are not permitted to sell alcohol during this time.
• Drinking on beaches and in public places is generally allowed in coastal tourist destinations like Kusadasi and Didim. However, drinking on the streets of metropolitan cities like Istanbul and Izmir is not permitted.
• Alcohol cannot be sold in close vicinity to public buildings or schools.
• Online sales of alcohol have been banned in Turkey since 2011.
• Advertisements for alcoholic beverages in the media and public places, including television, radio, and billboards, are prohibited. These drinks also cannot be promoted during public activities and events.

It is important to respect these laws and regulations when consuming alcohol in Turkey. While alcohol is widely consumed, particularly in western Turkey and coastal areas, it is important to be mindful of the restrictions in place.

Alcohol advertising is banned in Turkey

The restrictions on alcohol advertising in Turkey also prohibit brand stretching. Names, brands, and other distinctive elements of alcoholic beverages cannot be used on non-alcoholic or other products. Tasting activities by consumers are not allowed, except for those with a license in importers or wholesalers. The recent restrictions within the scope of a total advertising ban for alcohol were applied to the Twitter and Instagram pages of brand owners. The official Twitter and Instagram pages of alcoholic brands are not accessible for residents in Turkey.

While alcohol advertising is banned in Turkey, alcohol consumption is legal for those above the age of 18. Alcohol is widely consumed in Turkey, especially in western Turkey and coastal areas. According to the OECD, Turkish people drink around 1.5 litres of alcohol per capita annually. This is less than the consumption in England, America, and Mexico but higher than in Islamic countries like Indonesia. Alcohol is sold through licensed supermarkets, markets, or shops, and can only be purchased between 6 am and 10 pm. However, there is no restriction on consuming alcohol in restaurants, bars, hotels, or other licensed entertainment facilities, and these places can serve alcohol 24 hours a day.

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