Ban on Public Alcohol Consumption Enforced in Istanbul
While in St. Petersburg, the streets may still echo with clinking glasses, the same cannot be said for Istanbul's public spaces. The local authorities have recently implemented new regulations governing the sale and consumption of alcohol within the city.
These regulations include:
- Prohibiting the sale of alcohol to individuals under the age of 18.
- Restricting the retail sale of alcohol between the hours of 22:00 and 06:00, with exceptions granted to licensed establishments such as cafes and restaurants.
- Enforcing a ban on both the sale and direct consumption of alcohol outside of these specified hours. This prohibition extends to all public areas, including parks, picnic spots, coastlines, beaches, and more.
As a result, indulging in alcoholic beverages is now limited to restaurants and bars, or the more modest setting of one's own home. For those who may wish to partake discreetly, the option of "hiding the bottle in a bag" still exists.
