Can You Drink Alcohol In Turkey? | Turkey Drinking Age 2024

Every year, many people travel to Turkish tourist cities such as Antalya, Istanbul, and Ankara for fun. Drinking alcoholic beverages is included in every fun program, and for this reason, the Turkish government has not restricted drinking alcohol, and everyone can drink alcohol in hotels, restaurants, and bars, but according to the new rules of the Turkish government, drinking alcohol on public beaches and parks in Turkey has been banned.

Of course, some private beaches are exceptions to this rule, and you can ask them about the possibility of drinking alcohol before entering.

You should also know that the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in shops after 10 pm and you can only get it from bars and restaurants.

Many restaurants and cafes in Turkey are also prohibited from serving alcohol outdoors.

In general, according to Turkish law, drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited. Still, in my experience, this law is not enforced in the tourist areas, and you may see people drinking on the streets during your trip.

Legal age to drink in Turkey

The legal age for consuming alcoholic beverages in Turkey is 18 years, and anyone under 18 cannot buy and consume alcoholic beverages.

Do Turkish people drink alcohol?

Some Turkish people like alcoholic drinks and drink wine at parties and bars. Also, some of them make alcoholic drinks at home to give to guests during the party. Turks’ favorite alcoholic drink is Raki, which you can find in traditional Turkish coffee houses. 

Can I drink alcohol in Turkish villages?

Buying and selling alcoholic beverages is prohibited in some regions of Türkiye. For example, in small towns and villages that have a traditional and religious society, the buying and selling of alcoholic beverages are prohibited by the local people. You cannot consume alcoholic beverages during the day in these villages. Still, some villages and areas like Sirince Village Turkey are Not only the consumption of alcoholic beverages free, but you can find the best wine in Turkey.

Drinking alcohol while driving in Türkiye

Drinking alcohol while driving is prohibited in Turkey, like in other countries, and if the police catch you while you are drunk, they can punish you according to the percentage of alcohol you have consumed; this punishment includes revoking your driving license and Giving a negative grade.

In which places in Turkey is the consumption of alcoholic beverages free and prohibited?

Beaches, lakes, mosques, and Muslim areas are some places where alcohol consumption is not allowed. Also, during the month of Ramadan in Turkey, when most Turkish Muslims fast, it is forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages in public, and some restaurants refuse to sell alcohol.

Still, with some searching in the city, you can find restaurants serving alcohol this month. In addition, alcohol consumption is prohibited in religious events such as Eid al-Adha, Fitr, etc.

Can you drink alcohol in Istanbul?

Since Istanbul is one of the cities of Turkey, I should mention that there is no problem with drinking alcoholic beverages in qualified places in Istanbul.

Where to buy alcohol in Turkey?

If you are looking for the answer to the question “where to buy alcohol in Turkey“, read this part of the article carefully to tell you where to buy alcohol in Istanbul and Turkey.

Migros store

Migros is one of the most famous and oldest stores in Türkiye, and has the most branches compared to other brands in Istanbul. This store is classified in the category of expensive stores in Istanbul. Migros store has a license to sell alcoholic beverages in Turkey, and you can buy all kinds of wine, beer, etc., from this store.

Airports

If you don’t feel like wandering around the city and want to buy alcohol as quickly as possible, you can go to the duty-free shops at the very beginning of your arrival at the airport and buy the alcohol you want.

Kipa store

Kipa, like Migros, is one of the stores that has a license to sell alcoholic beverages. The prices in this store are lower than other stores.

To wrap the whole thing up 

In general, Turkey is a religious country, and therefore there are some restrictions on alcohol consumption. It is better to use alcohol properly and follow the rules and conditions for alcohol consumption in each place.

One thing you should know is that you have to pay a tax to drink alcohol in restaurants and bars in Turkey, and for this reason, I suggest you buy your desired drink from the stores I mentioned above or buy alcohol at the airport from duty-free shops, as they are cheaper.

If you have more information about the question “Is alcohol available in Turkey” contact me in the comments section and share your experience of drinking alcohol in Turkey.

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