Restaurants Fined 210 Million Lira by Ministry of Commerce
Ministry of Trade Imposes Fines on Food and Beverage Businesses for Non-Compliance with Price Tag Regulations
The Ministry of Trade has recently released a statement regarding the enforcement of regulations on price tags in food and beverage establishments. In order to protect consumers from grievances, the Ministry has made it mandatory for restaurants, cafes, patisseries, and similar businesses to display their tariff and price lists in a visible and easily readable manner both at the entrance of the establishment and on the tables where service is provided.
Intensive inspections have been carried out in all 81 provinces by the Provincial Directorates of Trade affiliated with the Ministry of Trade to ensure compliance with these regulations. Inspectors are focusing on the correct placement of tariff and price lists, as well as checking for any discrepancies between menu prices and cash register prices. Additionally, the charging of any hidden service fees that could potentially harm consumers is being closely monitored.
During the first 8 months of 2024, a total of 33,731 non-conformities were detected in 70,814 food and beverage establishments across Turkey, resulting in administrative fines totaling 73.6 million TL. In the summer months of June, July, and August, 11,674 non-compliances were found in 26,227 businesses, with fines amounting to 25.7 million TL.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Trade reported a total of 85,381 non-conformities in price tag inspections conducted in 150,820 establishments throughout Turkey, resulting in 136.9 million TL in fines. In Istanbul alone, 48,359 non-conformities were detected in 27,238 businesses, leading to 96.1 million TL in fines.
Overall, a total of 221,634 businesses were inspected in 2024, with 119,112 non-compliant acts resulting in administrative fines totaling 210.5 million TL. The Ministry of Trade reaffirmed its commitment to continuing inspections in all provinces to prevent consumer grievances and ensure transparency in pricing practices within the food and beverage industry.
