In Turkey, smoking is everywhere - this is not at all difficult to notice, writes “Neue Zürcher Zeitung“ (NCZ). The data confirms the observations - according to official data, one third of Turks are smokers. And they smoke a lot: an average of 64 packs per person per year, or a total of 5.4 billion packs. In principle, a ban on indoor smoking has been introduced in the country since 2009, but it hardly interests the population. As one Turkish woman told the Swiss publication: "Smoking bans in Turkey don't work. We want to smoke".
Smokers are not kicked out. Otherwise, they should close.
In bars, restaurants and traditional Turkish taverns, the ban is not respected at all - as if there are no non-smokers or restrictions. The authorities try to exercise control, but this does not change anything - it is a public secret that smoking does not affect this, notes the NCC. As the owner of a bar in one of the modern districts of Istanbul told the publication - people just want to smoke. That's why he doesn't force them - otherwise he would have to close. The man says that he tried to follow the rules. Guests would go outside to smoke, but then they would not return. On the second day, most regular visitors never came, and on the third day 80 percent of the customers were missing. Since then, the ban has not been respected, and if necessary - the owner pays the corresponding fines.
But the control is also not effective, the NCC points out: as soon as word gets out about an upcoming inspection, the owners of establishments warn each other on Whatsapp. Then, guests are asked to temporarily put out their cigarettes, and ashtrays are put away. “And the smell of tobacco smoke does not work as evidence of violations“, the man points out to the NCC. As a result of all this, sanctions are imposed on only a small number of the controlled establishments, after which some of the restaurateurs divide the money for the imposed fine to make it even cheaper for them. The controllers, on the other hand, show leniency and sometimes, after the sanction, they tell the restaurateur in question that they will not bother him for the next six months. The Swiss publication writes that there are also rumors of bribes being given, but without confirmation.
The fines do not scare anyone
The fines for the owners of establishments are between 370 and 1800 euros, and for a second violation within the same year they are higher. A third violation can lead to temporary closure. Those who are caught smoking also have to pay - about 25 euros. But those who pay immediately on the spot get a discount, the NCC also explains.
A study from last January shows that smoking was allowed in 66% of the bars inspected. However, it is known that the real percentage is significantly higher. “Demand determines supply”, the owner of a tavern in which a modern ventilation system has been installed told the Swiss publication. The man explains that if visitors wanted to be smoke-free, he would ban smoking. But the mood among customers was completely different.
Meanwhile, the government is making considerable efforts to reduce smoking in the country. Along with the ban, a lot of money is being spent on prevention campaigns. President Erdogan is a staunch opponent of cigarettes and has said: “The fight against tobacco is just as important as the fight against terrorism”. The president is concerned about the health of his people – points out that 85,000 people fall victim to the “tobacco monster“ annually.
Erdogan has a collection of confiscated cigarette packs
Writing about Erdogan's efforts to oppose smoking, the Swiss publication recalls how at a high-level meeting in Egypt he first complimented Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on how good she looked, but then told her that she should quit smoking. Meloni is not his only “victim” - at a NATO meeting in 2016, Erdogan took back the cigarette pack of the then Bulgarian Foreign Minister, reports NCC. The president has done the same with many others - supporters, tourists, party members, journalists or family members. In addition, in 2022, a whole collection of 215 cigarette cases was gathered in his home, which were even presented at an exhibition in Ankara.
However, the number of smokers in Turkey has not decreased. A study by the Economic and Political Development Foundation in Ankara shows that over 80 percent of those surveyed are aware of the health risks of smoking, but still do not think of quitting. Why is this so? The owner of the Istanbul bar gives the following explanation to the NCC: “In countries like Turkey, you don't even know what will happen to you tomorrow“. Thoughts about the future and health are apparently less important than in stable countries. Added to this is the fact that many people in Turkey cannot afford a number of things - such as a car, a house, travel or expensive restaurants, so a cigarette is a pleasure that helps you relax.