Small Businesses in Beyoğlu Suffer From Double Standards

Some local businesses in Beyoğlu district of Istanbul are currently suffering from a 3 day closure due to outdoor table ban issued by Beyoğlu Municipality. Business owners told bianet that they have been having serious issues for the past two years. They also fear of double standard regarding the practice of bans. 

On July 16, Beyoğlu Municipality issued a closure order for over 30 local businesses in the heart of Istanbul. Not surprised, local business owners feel frustrated on the issue. 

"Either all or none” 

Leyla Kılıç, owner of Fıccın Restaurant: The practice is unfair. In some streets, several places are setting tables out in the street. They are mostly hookah cafe owners. We received this closure just because we put a couple of tables at a pedestrian street. It makes me wonder: Is there a double standard here? Either they should remove all outdoor tables in the entire district or they should let go of all. This is what’s disturbing. 

This is not a new issue. For the past two years, our businesses have dramatically dwindled due to outdoor table ban. After Gezi Resistance, Beyoğlu needs a push to turn alive again.  Therefore, we are forced to place a couple of tables out despite the ongoing ban. Customers are inclined to sit indoors at this hot weather. 

"They are trying to kick small businesses out” 

Ali Duran, owner of Hasankeyf Tea House: There is another purpose behind this. They are trying to kick small businesses out from Taksim area. They are trying to make us yield by these bans and fines. People are selling their places in my street. They offer 10 million first for instance, then they rise it to 20 or 30 if rejected. But they convince owners in the end. New owners build apart hotels. 

It is all the same: Galataport, Tarlabaşı, Perşembe Bazaar, Şişhane…There is a big game here. It won’t happen today, but they are going to push all small businesses out here. This is double standards. Some streets with traffics are allowed for tables and others with pedestrians are not. This is what is bugging everyone. There is no justice. 

It is all about  intricate networks. We have marched along with BEYDER twice regarding the issue. They have filed protesting business owners. Whatever we do, the filing can’t be undone. They want us to submit their demands. This situation massed up my psychology. I don’t even want to go to work. This must be over soon. (NV/BM)

* Click here to read the original article in Turkish.