More than 100 people are reported to have died by poisoning from bootlegged alcohol in Turkey, with the government issuing a warning to tourists. There have been 70 deaths from fake alcohol being disguised and sold as big name brands in Istanbul so far this year. And a further 33 have died in the country’s capital Ankara, according to the city’s governor Vasip Sahin, reported NTV in Turkey. Officials have also said that another 230 people have been hospitalised with 30 left in a critical condition having drunk the ‘fake’ alcohol. High taxes imposed by President Erdogan’s AK Party in the Islamic country have seen the price of alcohol rise sharply. Alcohol manufacturers have also faced rising costs from higher taxes and other restrictions.
It has led to some unscrupulous businesses to turn to bootlegged alcohol and homemade drinks with the clear risk of poisoning. And there was another tax hike on January 3 to make the situation worse. Istanbul’s governor’s office has said that it is taking measures to stop the circulation of the fake alcohol, with inspections and the installation of cameras inside shops selling it. There have been 13 people arrested in Ankara and another 11 in Istanbul as part of the crackdown, reported NTV, while 102 tonnes of methanol and ethanol have been seized in Ankara.
Brits have also been warned by the Foreign Office with an update on travel advice to Turkey. In the new advice for those travelling to Turkey from the UK, the Foreign Office urges all holidaymakers to drink alcohol only from licensed liquor stores and bars, and to check labels and bottle seals to ensure they are intact. The Foreign Office website states: "In Turkey, including Ankara and Istanbul, people have died or suffered serious illness after drinking illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol." And it has listed ways that people can stay safe while drinking on holiday.
buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores. buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels. avoid home-made alcoholic drinks. check bottle seals are intact. check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling. The Foreign Office has also recently updated its travel advice for those travelling to Turkey during the holy month of Ramadan, which is likely to begin on February 28 or March 1 and last for 29 or 30 days. The advice warns that tourists may cause offence with a number of activities. It says: "During this time, it may cause offence if you: eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car, play loud music or dance, swear in public.".
Officials also warned tourists to be aware that the opening hours of shops and restaurants may change during this time and know that if restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens. It added that people should "follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time".
