Has the drinking age changed in Turkey?

[dksbbs]

I have just read an article on http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Sebastian Vettel was banned from drinking champagne on the podium after winning Sunday's Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul.
The defending world champion won his third race from four this season - having started from pole position on every occasion - but he was being watched on the podium to make sure he did not take a swig of the celebratory magnum of champagne because it would be against Turkey’s new alcohol age limit of 24.
"It had been said in the drivers’ briefing. The law is 24 and he is 23," confirmed Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner.
Turkey brought in new laws earlier this year that tightened up licence requirements for serving alcohol, imposed restrictions on alcohol marketing and limited sales to designated areas in stores.

Dave

[jayjay1950]

Shane will be gutted if thats true Dave

[dksbbs]

I'm trying to find out more, one article on the same subject stated the age limit was 24 at open air events so I thought Ok, now it looks like it's only 24 if an event is sponsored by an Alchol company or Alcohol sponsorhip is involved.

I think Shane will bo OK, I will keep looking.

See http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php? ... 2011-02-02

Serving Istanbul’s nightlife for 13 years, Babylon was a club of “firsts” in Turkey. They brought many new groups from Europe and from all around the world, not only showcasing nightlife in Istanbul but also showcasing Turkish culture.
However, Babylon is currently facing some difficulties. The new restrictions introduced by the Tobacco and Alcohol Market Regulatory Authority, or TAPDK, regarding alcohol laws are affecting Babylon and nightlife in Istanbul.
According to the new restrictions on alcohol, it will be forbidden to welcome young people (under 24) to Babylon because alcohol is sold at the venue.
This new regulation will be effective only for events sponsored by alcohol beverage companies, such as Efes, Miller, and Absolute Vodka.
In fact, that’s where all the problems start. Generally, the events that Babylon organizes are very high-priced organizational affairs in which it is impossible to cover or break even merely through ticket sales. For this, sponsorship – often from alcohol companies – has been crucial for musical events. Given this need for sponsorship, not accepting patrons under the age of 24 will damage the economic situation of the venue.
The alcohol beverage sponsors will be damaged also.
The alcohol restrictions will affect the cultural life of Istanbul in a bad way. Moreover, it is evident that Istanbul receives many tourists who are less than 24 years old, and those people are always looking for a place to listen to music and drink. For this, Babylon always comes first, but this will change with the new restrictions.
Violations of the law carry serious consequences. According to the press statement by Babylon, the venue is hoping for support from other sectoral associations as the current restriction leaves it in a very difficult situation.
It will be very hard for Babylon to give up on their audiences. There are some people in Istanbul who are patrons of Babylon and now it will be impossible for them to enter the venue.
What kind of restriction is this?

Dave

[sarah1]

As far as I know you need to be 16 to purchase alcohol with a meal in a restaurant and 18 elsewhere. The 24 limit is only for events were alcohol is being promoted by a sponsor. Which is why Vettel was not allowed to take part. I believe it was brought in to stop alcohol advertising being aimed at young people.

[Kalof]

Its goes a little more beyond events being promoted by an alcohol sponsor - it is any public organised event ie. film awards etc. Just another plan by Erdogan (Prime Minister) to limit alcohol - that's why prices have gone up quite a lot this year along with cigarettes. Of course, the government also benefit from the increase in the tax .....

Strange thing is when I watch Turkish news - the images are very very graphic, showing dead bodies in car accidents, shootings etc. but when it comes to smoking and drinking these images are blurred out !

Chris

[Katiehutchinson_1991]

according to my turkish friends this age limit was done from a religious viewpoint as alcohol is not allowed in strict muslim society
xxxx