Inspections at cafes and restaurants: Ministry warns citizens following reports of 'spending limits'

Taking action following reports that cafes and restaurants were imposing spending limits, the Ministry of Trade issued fines to businesses acting in violation of regulations. Officials stated that those who encounter the same situation can file a complaint via CİMER.

Following reports that cafes and restaurants were imposing spending limits, Ministry of Trade teams launched inspections in Istanbul.

According to a report by Sabah, fines were issued to businesses acting in violation of regulations during inspections conducted by the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Trade across 30 districts with 48 teams.

'FILE A COMPLAINT WITH CİMER'

The teams also told citizens sitting in cafes and restaurants to file a complaint with CİMER if they encounter such practices.

'WE ENCOUNTER IT OFTEN'

During the inspection, Dilek Aydın, an Istanbul University student sitting in a cafe, stated that even the use of power outlets is subject to a fee in some establishments, saying, "I have come across such a place a few times. It is a situation I encounter very often. Waiters keep coming and going constantly. In some places, there is also a table fee. They expect you to spend over 300 TL directly."

'THERE IS NO LIMIT'

Business owner Halit Talha Has stated, "We do not have a specific spending limit for the duration you sit here. Since we are a cafe operating in a university and high school area, we are trying to create an environment where students can be comfortable without charging any fees. Our priority is for people to be comfortable."