Penalty for businesses charging commission on card-based cigarette and tobacco sales

Some businesses charging a commission fee for cigarette purchases made with credit cards are causing grievances among consumers. It has been announced that charging a surcharge on tobacco products for credit card payments is against the law under Article 17 of the Bank Cards and Credit Cards Law. It was stated that businesses charging such surcharges will face a fine of 200 thousand liras if reported.

Some business owners who charge a commission on cigarette and tobacco product purchases have been victimizing consumers.

200 THOUSAND LIRA FINE FOR BUSINESSES CHARGING COMMISSION

According to Sputnik, it was announced that this commission, which ranges between 3 and 5 TL, is against the law under Article 17 of the Bank Cards and Credit Cards Law. It was stated that if a customer files a complaint, the business will be fined 200 thousand liras.

Commenting on the issue, Lawyer Buket Nurşah Tekışık stated, ''According to the law, member businesses cannot charge cardholders an additional payment under the name of commission or similar for the use of the card, but it is observed that this practice is being violated in Turkey. Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek made a statement regarding the issue and announced that businesses charging a surcharge or commission on credit cards would be fined 200 thousand liras. Consumers who encounter this situation should file a complaint with the Consumer Arbitration Committee or the Provincial Directorate of Trade.''

News Source: 12punto