CHP calls on the government regarding counterfeit alcohol

CHP Deputy Chair Zeliha Aksaz Şahbaz issued a written statement regarding the recent increase in deaths from counterfeit alcohol in Istanbul. Şahbaz stated that the rise in illicit alcohol consumption, linked to high taxation and poverty, poses a serious public health threat. Recalling that out of 92 people who were hospitalized in Istanbul due to illicit alcohol in the last week, 38 have lost their lives and 26 remain intubated, Şahbaz expressed that the situation regarding deaths from counterfeit alcohol is alarming.

'HIGH TAXES FUEL COUNTERFEIT ALCOHOL'

Şahbaz noted that according to the state's Alcohol Policy Monitoring Platform, 17 deaths from counterfeit alcohol were reported in 2023, and 47 in 2024. Pointing out that the actual figures are likely higher, Şahbaz stated that high taxes have made it impossible for citizens to access legal alcoholic beverages, which in turn increases the consumption of illicit alcohol. Stating that 1 million 195 thousand liters of illicit alcohol were seized in 2023 and 4 million 264 thousand liters in 2024, Şahbaz said that the production and consumption of counterfeit alcohol have become a serious public health issue.

'TEMPORARY STEPS ARE INSUFFICIENT, PERMANENT SOLUTIONS ARE NEEDED'

Şahbaz emphasized that recent operations in Istanbul remain limited to temporary steps and that the government is avoiding its responsibility instead of producing permanent solutions to structural problems. "The production of counterfeit alcohol must be prevented, and the penalties for this crime must be increased. The government must take responsibility and produce permanent solutions to this issue that threatens public health," she said.

'HOLISTIC POLICIES ARE NEEDED INSTEAD OF EXCESSIVE TAXATION'

Şahbaz stated that the fight against alcohol should not be conducted through high taxes and bans, noting that these policies drive people toward illicit alcohol. Drawing attention to the necessity of long-term policies such as education, treatment, rehabilitation, and effective oversight, Şahbaz said, "It must be taken into account that exorbitant levels of taxation can drive people toward counterfeit alcohol and that the social cost of this can be much higher." Şahbaz called on the government to implement more effective solutions to prevent the consumption of counterfeit alcohol and protect public health.