No alcohol to be allowed in New Year gift baskets in Turkey

Traditional "New Year baskets," gift packages of beverages and snacks sold at supermarkets during the last weeks of the year, will not be permitted to include alcoholic drinks this year, according to a ruling from Turkey's alcohol and tobacco regulator. 

The decision, made public in the Official Gazette on Nov. 5, has triggered contrasting reactions from the sector. 

Bendevi Palandöken, the head of the Confederation of Turkish Craftsmen and Tradesmen (TESK), said some businesses without the required liquor licenses prepare the baskets anyway and the regulation would put an end to this practice. 

Palandöken added that although stores may face losses in the absence of such baskets, it would be "positive for public health." 

However, Consumer Issues Association head Ayd?n A?ao?lu said the regulation "limited consumers' right to choose."

"While the implementation seems positive from a public health perspective, it is akin to state intervention on whether a legal product can be included in a gift package," A?ao?lu added. 

Sadi Uzuno?lu, a professor at Trakya University, also said the move was "against the market."

Turkish police raid Koza ?pek's media HQ in Istanbul amid protests

Turkey celebrates Republic Day against backdrop of political turbulence

Local authorities in Ad?yaman stir outcry for sitting under tent as schoolkids get wet

Halfeti - A town of mesmerizing beauty

Exhibition shows Istanbul through eyes of children

Secret weapons of Turkish army: locally produced rocket launchers, missile systems

The bugs of Ankara: The weirdest scenes that anyone can run into in Turkish capital

A bird's eye view tour of Turkey's eastern provinces of Van and Hakkari

Turkish...