Government's alcoholic beverage regulation submitted to Parliament: New details emerge

While the government's policies on alcoholic beverages have long been a subject of debate in Turkey, details of the AKP's new legislative proposal have emerged. The government aims to introduce stricter regulations on alcoholic beverages under the pretext of "strengthening the fight against addiction." The bill includes comprehensive bans on the production, sale, and promotion of alcoholic beverages.

ADVERTISING AND BRAND USAGE TO BE BANNED

According to the new regulation, companies that produce, import, and market alcoholic beverages will not be permitted to advertise in any way. The use of names, words, shapes, images, and letters related to the products will be prohibited. Furthermore, it will be forbidden for these companies to organize events using their brands, logos, and trade names, or to sponsor content on media platforms.

The regulation aims to prevent indirect promotion. In this context, the use of symbols, words, visuals, or letters that evoke alcoholic beverage brands in workplaces or event areas will also be prohibited.

NEW RESTRICTIONS ON EVENT AND MEDIA SPONSORSHIP

The bill aims to expand the scope of bans on promotional activities for alcoholic beverages aimed at consumers. Alcoholic beverage companies are prevented from promoting their products by using their trademarks at events or in media content. With this regulation, any form of sponsorship activity that would increase brand visibility will be blocked.

LIMITATIONS IMPOSED ON BRAND USAGE

The bill states that brands used for fermented alcoholic beverages should not be used for distilled alcoholic beverages. In other words, it aims to prevent low-alcohol beverage brands from being used on high-alcohol products. It is stated that this regulation is intended to prevent unfair competition in alcohol advertising and to stop low-alcohol beverages from being used to increase the sales of high-alcohol products.

NIGHTTIME SALES OVERSIGHT TO BE TRANSFERRED TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES

The new regulation also covers the nighttime sale of alcoholic beverages. Under the current situation, the authority for administrative sanctions against those who violate the retail sales ban in effect between 22:00 and 06:00 will be transferred to local administrative offices. This change aims to ensure that violations are detected on-site, processes are carried out rapidly, and sanctions become more effective.

AIMING TO FIGHT ADDICTION

The primary goal of the bill submitted by the AKP is stated as combating the use of alcoholic beverages and protecting public health. It is stated that the regulation specifically aims to prevent advertisements and brand promotions of alcoholic beverages targeting young people.

CHANGES THAT WILL AFFECT THE ENTIRE SECTOR

The regulation will directly affect alcoholic beverage producers, importers, and retailers. The new bans could change the economic structure of the sector. It is also noted that these bans could lead to new challenges, such as the shift of alcohol trade to digital platforms.

A NEW ERA IN ALCOHOL POLICIES

The government's regulations regarding alcoholic beverages continue to be a subject that has sparked long-standing debates. With this new regulation, it is anticipated that alcohol policies will become even stricter and will affect many players in the sector.

News Source: 12punto