Scandalous document emerges in Grand Kartal Hotel tragedy: It was licensed as an 'alcohol-serving restaurant'

Turkey continues to experience the shock of the Grand Kartal Hotel tragedy, in which 78 people lost their lives. While the disaster devastated dozens of families, including 30 children, a remarkable document regarding the hotel has come to light.

'ALCOHOL-SERVING RESTAURANT' LICENSE SCANDAL

According to a report by Halk TV, the business opening and operating license issued to the Grand Kartal Hotel by the Bolu Special Provincial Administration defines the hotel's commercial activity as an "alcohol-serving restaurant." This license, issued in 2008, was updated in 2015, but the scope of the hotel's business operations remained the same.

BOLU MUNICIPALITY WAS BYPASSED

According to information obtained from Bolu Municipality sources regarding the license renewal process, no application was made to the municipality by the hotel authorities.

This situation has once again highlighted the lack of oversight in the process.

IS THE MINISTRY RESPONSIBLE?

The role of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in the oversight and licensing process of the hotel is at the center of the debate. The document that has emerged has brought the flaws in the chain of oversight between the ministry and local administrations back to the agenda.

15 PEOPLE ARRESTED

In the investigation conducted after the tragedy, 15 people who were taken into custody have been arrested.

Among those arrested is the hotel owner, Halit Ergül. The prosecutor's office has launched a comprehensive investigation into the negligence of the hotel management.

Here is the document showing the hotel was granted an alcohol-serving restaurant license:

Here is the document showing the hotel was granted an alcohol-serving restaurant license: