Intervention in social life via hike in drink prices

Monopoly dealers and venue owners are reacting to the more than 40 percent hikes in liquor prices. Business owners say that as a result of the hikes, people’s social lives will disappear, while citizens say, “We will no longer be able to socialize.”

After the big Private Consumption Tax (Excise Duty) hike imposed on cigarettes with the new year, there was also a hike in drinks. The cheapest bottle of beer in the Tuborg group became 21.50 TL, while in the Efes group this price was 19.50 TL. The price of YENI RAKI (100 cc) has been increased to 349 TL; Other increases were as follows: Tekirdağ 389 TL, Tekirdağ Gold Series 415 TL, Efe Göbek has increased to 469 TL. The cheapest wine price of Doluca Wine (75 cc) became 70 TL.

Some small-business owners say, “We think these hikes are ideological. They’re trying to control people with pressure. Because of the hikes, people are turning to fake drinks and we know what the result is. We know that the government does not want such sectors ideologically. These these hikes are quite high and affect people’s lives.”