Penalty for fast food chain that refused entry to mother and daughter

An incident alleged to have taken place at a restaurant belonging to an international fast food chain in Tarabya, in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, has caused a widespread reaction on social media. It was claimed that a mother and her daughter were not allowed into the restaurant on the grounds that their economic situation was not good.

In a post made via a social media account on May 2, 2026, it was stated that a customer placed an order at a kiosk and handed the receipt to the mother and daughter. The post alleged that restaurant staff said regarding the family, "They cannot eat in the restaurant, we can prepare it as a takeaway."

According to the allegations, when the situation was reported to the restaurant manager, the phrase "We have rules, we cannot just let anyone inside" was used. It was claimed that after other customers reacted, the family was served, but the manager did not apologize.

MINISTRY LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION

Following the issue becoming a trending topic, the Ministry of Trade made a statement on its official account. The statement reported that an administrative sanction was imposed on the restaurant in question.

It was stated that ministry teams conducted an inspection at the restaurant on the same day following the post, that violations of regulations were detected during the examinations, and that an administrative fine was issued to the business. It was also stated that the incident was recorded under the scope of "Unfair Commercial Practice" and referred to the Advertising Board.

STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY: BUSINESS PENALIZED

The following statements were included in the Ministry's post:

"The picture described in this post is in no way acceptable. No child, no mother can be excluded from a venue by being told 'you cannot sit here.' Such an action is not only unacceptable in terms of conscience, but it also does not align with commercial ethics and laws."

The statement continued, "We will continue with determination to protect the commercial rights of our citizens, to establish commercial justice, and to stand against such practices that wound the conscience."

The picture described in this post is in no way acceptable.

No child, no mother can be excluded from a venue by being told “you cannot sit here.”
Such an action is not only unacceptable in terms of conscience, but it also does not align with commercial ethics and laws.

Regarding the subject, the Ministry of Trade… https://t.co/2zmKqsA1hG

— T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı (@ticaret) May 5, 2026

News Source: 12punto