Sure lets discuss the other aspects of the recent regulatory changes concerning alcohol sales:
1) No sale of alcohol within 100 meters of schools and places of worship. Existing alcohol sales points will be grandfathered in, meaning none will be closed down. In fact, it allows for the permit to be handed down to their children but prohibits transfer to a 3rd party. Also excluded are those with tourism licenses that cater to tourists each year.
2) Permitted alcohol level while driving decreased from 1.0 to 0.5. For offenders caught, $350 fine and 6 months license suspension.
3) alcohol brand promotion, sponsorship of events and product placement on TV shows restricted. International promotions such as participating in trade fairs are allowed.
As far as street side tables are concerend, there is no national regulation on it. Its up to the individual municipalities, which in this case I presume you are referring to Beyoglu.
In practice, alcohol is still easily found if you are looking for it. Many retail locations are still selling alcohol beyond 10pm. Overall, enforcement is still lax. So let us not get hyped up over this and take the changes for what they are without exaggerating the issue. If you ask me, many of the changes noted above are restrictions that can be found in many developed countries. Let us not forget that we are talking about a country with 99% Muslim population but the changes still allows for individual lifestyles to be enjoyed.
One inaccurate remark is the new alcohol legislation which prohibits retail alcohol sales after 10pm not restaurants or bars. This change actually brings regulation in line with other European states.
Another dimension thats been left out is the wider struggle between Gulen community and RTE sphere AKP. Much of the police that's been reassigned are those that are part of or weren't able to account for the shadowy Gulen sympathizers in their respective departments. Where one should exercise caution is the motive behind the recent investigation which is politically motivated with a greater agenda similar to the Ergenekon and sledge hammer cases of the past. Between RTE and Gulen movement, I'd rather have an elected official who can be held accountable rather than a shadowy, ghost like organization infiltrate key security and judiciary apparatus.
Nonetheless, corruption is deplorable and RTE should not forget that justice comes before loyalty and his strong stance against corruption of the previous era is what helped swing him into power.
Sure lets discuss the other aspects of the recent regulatory changes concerning alcohol sales:
1) No sale of alcohol within 100 meters of schools and places of worship. Existing alcohol sales points will be grandfathered in, meaning none will be closed down. In fact, it allows for the permit to be handed down to their children but prohibits transfer to a 3rd party. Also excluded are those with tourism licenses that cater to tourists each year.
2) Permitted alcohol level while driving decreased from 1.0 to 0.5. For offenders caught, $350 fine and 6 months license suspension.
3) alcohol brand promotion, sponsorship of events and product placement on TV shows restricted. International promotions such as participating in trade fairs are allowed.
As far as street side tables are concerend, there is no national regulation on it. Its up to the individual municipalities, which in this case I presume you are referring to Beyoglu.
In practice, alcohol is still easily found if you are looking for it. Many retail locations are still selling alcohol beyond 10pm. Overall, enforcement is still lax. So let us not get hyped up over this and take the changes for what they are without exaggerating the issue. If you ask me, many of the changes noted above are restrictions that can be found in many developed countries. Let us not forget that we are talking about a country with 99% Muslim population but the changes still allows for individual lifestyles to be enjoyed.
One inaccurate remark is the new alcohol legislation which prohibits retail alcohol sales after 10pm not restaurants or bars. This change actually brings regulation in line with other European states.
Another dimension thats been left out is the wider struggle between Gulen community and RTE sphere AKP. Much of the police that's been reassigned are those that are part of or weren't able to account for the shadowy Gulen sympathizers in their respective departments. Where one should exercise caution is the motive behind the recent investigation which is politically motivated with a greater agenda similar to the Ergenekon and sledge hammer cases of the past. Between RTE and Gulen movement, I'd rather have an elected official who can be held accountable rather than a shadowy, ghost like organization infiltrate key security and judiciary apparatus.
Nonetheless, corruption is deplorable and RTE should not forget that justice comes before loyalty and his strong stance against corruption of the previous era is what helped swing him into power.