Turkish alcohol ban challenged in court

A temporary ban on alcohol sales as part of new COVID-19 restrictions in Turkey has been challenged in court.

The ban is a clear violation of the constitution and should be overturned, said the Ankara Bar Association, which is leading the case, according to news outlet Diken.

The Turkish Interior Ministry banned alcohol sales nationwide on Tuesday after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced a tight 17-day lockdown to curb a rise in COVID-19 infections.

However, the move was a disproportionate interference with personal liberties, the Ankara Bar Association said.

"People's decisions on whether or not to consume alcohol in their homes are among the rights that are within the scope of private life, protected by the fundamental rights and freedoms in the constitution, and can only be limited by law.”

“The practice of the administration is a violation of one of the basic criteria of public law,” it added.

Erdoğan is a vocal opponent of alcohol and tobacco consumption. His government has regularly raised taxes on the products since coming to power in 2002.