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Tag: Istanbul

  • Istanbul Ups Inspections for Indoor Smoking Ban

    Istanbul Ups Inspections for Indoor Smoking Ban

    Istanbul authorities announced that they intensified enforcement of Türkiye’s indoor smoking ban, conducting more than 1.34 million inspections between 2022 and the first half of 2026 and issuing nearly TL 695 million ($14.7 million) in fines to 25,970 businesses found allowing smoking in enclosed public spaces. Authorities also temporarily closed 681 repeat offenders and fined 1,958 individuals, with violations and penalties increasing sharply in recent years.

    The nationwide smoke-free law, which has applied to restaurants, cafés, bars, and other indoor public venues since 2009, continues to be enforced through routine inspections and public complaints, with 65 inspection teams currently operating across Istanbul.

  • Istanbul Bans Public Shisha Smoking

    Istanbul Bans Public Shisha Smoking

    Image: puhhha | Adobe Stock

    Istanbul has banned shisha smoking in public places in order to mitigate risks of forest fires and other potential hazards, reports Xinhua News.

    “Smoking shisha will be strictly prohibited in various locations, including beaches, forests, recreational areas and parks throughout Istanbul,” wrote Governor Davut Gul on Twitter. “However, it is important to note that licensed shisha lounges operating outside of these designated areas are not affected by this ban.”