In Turkey, counterfeit alcoholic beverage consumption has become a serious problem in recent years due to rising prices and taxes. Since the beginning of 2023, the number of deaths caused by counterfeit alcohol has reached 109, with over 100 people seeking treatment in hospitals.
These counterfeit drinks are usually produced in unregulated environments and contain harmful substances like ethanol and methanol, which are dangerous to health.
Most counterfeit drinks contain ethanol, but cheaper methanol is often mixed in, increasing the health risks. In Turkey, a significant portion of ethanol used in counterfeit alcohol production (90%) is sourced from illicit markets. In 2023, much of the 9.7 million liters of ethanol released into the market was used for counterfeit alcohol production.
The state faces not only health issues but also significant tax losses due to counterfeit alcohol. According to calculations for 2023, the loss in tax revenue from these illicit products is approximately 7.5 billion TRY in Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) and about 9 billion TRY in total tax revenue. This loss represents about 10% of Turkey’s total tax revenue for 2023.
This situation leads to a substantial loss in state revenue and endangers public health. The rise in counterfeit alcohol has also drawn international attention, with the United States and the United Kingdom urging their citizens to only purchase alcoholic beverages from licensed sales outlets to avoid counterfeit products.
