UK holidaymakers have been given fresh advice from the Foreign Office about drinking in Turkey following a series of deaths recently in the country caused by alcohol
Brits heading off on holiday to Turkey have been given new advice on alcohol in the country following a series of deaths.
The Foreign Office has issued an update for all UK holidaymakers looking to travel to the country which has become a favourite budget destination. Officials have taken the step to warn travellers heading to Turkey after a number of people died or become seriously ill from drinking illegally produced local spirits.
Reports have circulated of more than 100 having died after drinking bootleg alcohol in Turkey in recent weeks. The Foreign Office is responsible for keeping Brits up to date regarding travel to some 226 countries and nations and they have now issued a warning about the alcohol.
In the new advice for those travelling to Turkey from the UK, the Foreign Office urges all holiday makers to drink alcohol only from licensed liquor stores and bars and to check labels and bottle seals to ensure they are intact.
The Foreign Office website states: “In Turkey, including Ankara and Istanbul, people have died or suffered serious illness after drinking illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol.” And it has listed ways that people can stay safe while drinking on holiday.
How to protect yourself
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buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores
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buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels
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avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
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check bottle seals are intact
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check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling
The Foreign Office has also recently updated its travel advice for those travelling to Turkey during the holy month of Ramadan, which is likely to begin on February 28 or March 1 and last for 29 or 30 days. The advice warns that tourists may cause offence with a number of activities. It says: “During this time, it may cause offence if you: eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car, play loud music or dance, swear in public.”
Officials also warned tourists to be aware that the opening hours of shops and restaurants may change during this time and know that if restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens. It added that people should “follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time”.
