'Don't touch my alcohol': Social media outrage as liquor shops to be closed during 17-day lockdown

A sign in front of a liquor shop says alcohol sales were "unlawfully banned." (Photo: Twitter)

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An Interior Ministry circular specifying the conditions of a 17-day full lockdown starting Thursday (April 29) has caused confusion over alcohol sale permits.

While the circular makes no mention of alcoholic beverage sales or liquor shops, several media outlets reported earlier in the day that alcohol sales would be banned during the lockdown, citing government sources.

When asked about the reports ahead of a video conference with governors about the lockdown, Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu said, "The circular is very clear. [Liquor shops] aren't included in exemptions and [will be] closed. There is neither an exemption nor a question mark."

Although he minister didn't clarify whether other places such as grocery stores will be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages, his comments led to an outrage on social media with the hashtag "Don't touch my alcohol" (#alkolümedokunma) becoming a trending topic.

Many social media users questioned the government's motives in imposing the ban, perceiving it as an interference with people's lifestyles.

"Both of those who use alcohol and who don't should say 'Don't touch my alcohol. Because the matter isn't alcohol but fundamental rights and freedoms," said one user.

Another wrote, "As someone who doesn't use alcohol, I support this tag to the fullest. Not what people eat and drink but what they can't eat and drink should be cared about."

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has received similar criticism over the excessive taxation of alcolohic beverages and the prohibition of alcohol sales at liquor shops after 10 p.m.

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According to the current weekend lockdowns that have been in place since early December, liquor shops and grocery stores are allowed to stay open but not permitted to sell alcoholic beverages.

If these rules will apply to the 17-day lockdown between the April 29 night and the early hours of May 17, businesses will not be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages.

Heads of two associations of liquor shop owners also made contradicting statements about the issue. Erol Dündar, the chair of the Liquor Shops Cooperation Association, said on social media that "There is no alcohol sale ban. We had the necessary talks and examined the circular. There are no product-bases restrictions."

They hadn't received an order about an alcohol sale ban, he added.

On the other hand, Liquor Shops Platform Chair Özgür Aybaş told Diken news portal that "We got confirmation by the Interior Ministry. Unfortunately, there won't be alcohol sales until May 17." (EKN/VK)