Turkish president approves controversial bill restricting alcohol

Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Monday approved a controversial bill restricting the sale and advertising of alcohol, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported. The 15-day limit allocated for the president's decision was set to end as of June 11. "If I see constitutional problems (in the bill), I will do what 's necessary," Gul has said. The controversial anti-alcohol bill is seen as one of the reasons why demonstrators have taken to the streets as part of the recent Taksim Gezi Park protests in Istanbul to voice their demands including asking for respect for their lifestyles. On May 24, the Turkish parliament adopted the bill proposed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), tightening restrictions on the sale and advertising of alcoholic beverages. Retailers will no longer be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to the bill. All sorts of advertising campaigns will be completely banned, such as promotions, sponsored activities, festivals and free giveaways. The only exception will be international fairs aimed at marketing of alcoholic beverages. Student dormitories, health institutions, sports clubs, all sorts of education institutions and gas stations will be banned from selling alcohol. Already acquired licenses to sell alcohol will remain intact, yet to get new ones, facilities are required to be located outside the perimeter of 100 meters of educational and religious centers.