The drinking age in Turkey: 5 things you need to know including alcohol laws

Before any trip, it’s essential to understand local laws that may differ from those at home—especially when it comes to alcohol and the drinking age in Turkey.

In Turkey, the minimum age to drink alcohol is 18, different from countries like the U.S., where it’s 21.

First, though, let’s start with a common question: ‘Is alcohol allowed in Turkey?’ The short answer is yes—alcohol is legal and widely available, reflecting the balance Turkey maintains between tradition and modern Western influences.

Having lived in Turkey since 2019, I’ve seen firsthand how alcohol fits into everyday life here, especially among younger generations.

Now that I know the details, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned to help you feel confident about enjoying your time in Turkey responsibly.

Here’s everything you need to know about drinking laws and culture in Turkey.

5 things You Need to Know about Alcohol in Turkey

According to Statista.com, alcohol consumption has been on the rise in Turkey since the early 2000s, with a significant increase of 24% from 2002 to 2007.

The trend continues today, and this is in large part due to the changing demographics and tastes of Turkish people, who are increasingly exposed to Western lifestyles.

It is also now much more widely available than it was before, with an increasing number of liquor stores and bars.

With that said, it’s important for people to remember to drink responsibly; excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health problems and other risks.

Visiting Istanbul as a tourist means you may want to buy alcohol, so it is important to know where and when to find the drinks.

Liquor stores, also known as tekels, are more common in Istanbul than in other cities, though they can be found in smaller towns too.

The sale time throughout the country is regulated according to the law and is usually restricted between 6 am and 10 pm on weekdays.

You can also purchase alcohol from certain international markets like Carrefour and Migros.

That being said, if it is after 10 pm, you can always go to a bar and have a drink. The time limit does not apply to bars and restaurants.

Those selling it have to have a license to do so. Plus the fine for selling alcohol to someone underage is quite steep so don’t be surprised if you are trying to skirt the law and can’t.

Simultaneously, you will see many people with a beer in their hands walking along the seaside, looking much younger than 18. 🤷🏻‍♀️

2. How much is a beer in Turkey?

When it comes to beer in Turkey, tourists have plenty of options. Local brands are much more affordable and offer a variety of interesting flavors unique to the region.

As of October 2024, a domestic beer can be found for 60-120 tl if you are purchasing it from a tekel or grocery store. Plan for double that if you’re at a bar or restaurant.

But in Turkey, prices can vary quite a lot depending on certain factors.

Some of the most popular local beers include Efes Pilsen (who also brews Becks, Miller, Warstiener, and Fosters), Tuborg (who brews Fredericks), and Bomonti.

Imported beers and liquors are also available, though they’re more expensive as they often carry high import taxes.

An imported beer can be found for 90-150 tl if you are purchasing it from a tekel or grocery store. It will likely be double if you’re at a restaurant or bar.

Prices change often because of factors like inflation, taxes, and the general state of the economy, so take these estimates with a grain of salt.

Personally, I am an IPA girl and those seem to be difficult to find at times. The Bomonti Filtresiz has a pretty good flavor that is comparable.

My favorite IPAs, however, are from Fredericks. The red label is my favorite of the two though the green label is nice as well.

Microbreweries are becoming more popular with companies like Gara Guzu and Pablo Bira leading the way. All in all, drinking in touristy cities it is much easier to find a good selection.

Whether it’s an imported lager or one of the local craft breweries, visitors will find something that suits their taste and budget.

3. alcoholic drinks and the law

Interestingly enough, the law seems to be rarely enforced concerning the drinking age but very much so concerning BAC. Many of those who have visited can attest to this fact.

If you’re wondering if you could get away with it…probably. Personally, I don’t want to chance it. Getting into legal trouble in a foreign country is never a good idea.

That being said, for those who want to avoid breaking the law, it’s best to stick with the official legal drinking age Turkey has prescribed by authorities.

Furthermore, some regions may be more strict than others when it comes to enforcing laws related to the drinking age.

For example, there may be areas where laws are strictly enforced and non-compliance may even result in punishment or fines.

Therefore, visitors from abroad need to be aware of local laws and regulations about alcohol consumption before engaging in any activities related to its consumption.

So let’s take a look at a few things regarding the laws in Turkey.

Blood Alcohol Content levels

Drinking and driving is a serious offense in Turkey, with a legal BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of only 0.05%.

This means that even a single drink can put you over the limit, and can put you at risk of fines or jail time.

It’s especially important for tourists to know this limit since it could be much stricter than in your home country – even if there is nobody else in the car, any level of alcohol in your system may be considered illegal.

Pro tip: But it’s important to note that if there are other people in the car, then the legal limit drops to zero.

So keep your wits about yourself when driving on Turkish roads – it’s not worth putting yourself or others at risk by drinking and driving! Just take a taxi or hop on public transportation if it isn’t too late.

It is also important to note that police have the right to do random alcohol tests on drivers whenever they want. The fine is steep and as a tourist, it is important to know that it could even result in a minimum of 6 months jail time.

If you do find yourself in some trouble, my friend Pelin works specifically with foreigners. You can email her here. Make sure you tell her Kimberly sent you!

Open Container Turkey Alcohol laws

From what I have been able to find in all of my research, while it is technically illegal to drink alcohol in public it is allowed at the beaches and parks.

As you walk along the seaside, you will notice so many people sitting on picnic blankets drinking beer or wine, and playing games or perhaps a guitar.

Whether having a picnic or simply hanging out, it is a common pastime, especially by the seaside but I wouldn’t wander the streets with an open container.

Public Drunkenness

Public drunkenness, however, carries heavy fines and penalties.

While this is often a fuzzy line, things like being loud and obnoxious, vomiting, and the like, in public places can land one in serious trouble.

One can even be put in jail for the night for “their own safety” so be sure to be careful when drinking and keep your wits about you.

Alcohol in the car

So recently I was talking with a friend and learned another rule about alcohol that I didn’t know. If you have any alcohol in your car (opened or unopened) it has to be in the trunk where you can’t reach it.

If you get pulled over for whatever reason and they see your alcohol, you will get a big fine. They are quite serious about their alcohol-in-the-car rules which I guess is great but not so great if you don’t know.

Now you know. Keep it in the trunk (the boot) and stay safe.

4. What about Raki, wine, and liquor?

The consumption of wine and liquor in Turkey is steadily increasing as the country becomes more exposed to different cultures.

Though beer remains the most popular alcoholic beverage in Turkey, wine and other spirits are becoming increasingly accessible.

Wine tours are a great way to take a deep dive into all the unique flavors that Turkey has to offer, and many tourists take advantage of these unique experiences.

Raki is a traditional Turkish drink dating back centuries, often referred to as the unofficial national drink. It’s an anise-flavored liquor made with twice-distilled grapes, which creates a unique flavor.

There’s no shortage of places to buy raki throughout Turkey if you want an authentic experience.

Typically, you drink Raki at a Meyhane (fish restaurant), served with cold water and ice to make the flavor softer and paired with mezes (appetizers) and fish.

Turkey offers both domestic and imported options when it comes to wine and liquor – so drinks from all over the world can be found in stores across the country, though obviously, the imported ones will be more expensive than domestic ones.

Whether you’re looking for something specific from your home country or want to sample something uniquely Turkish, you should be able to find something.

5. Alcohol, Turks, and Islam

Alcohol consumption is a sensitive topic in Turkey, particularly for devout Muslims. While it isn’t illegal to drink in Turkey you may be wondering “Can a Muslim drink alcohol in Turkey?”

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, 74% of the population has never consumed any alcohol.

This is partly because the Islamic religion prohibits such – under Islamic law consuming alcohol is strictly forbidden. However, it’s also important to note that there are many other reasons why some Turks opt not to drink.

Some don’t like it or have given it up, much like any other person living anywhere else. We are all the same to some degree.

During the holy month of Ramadan, tourists should be aware that the sale and consumption of alcohol are not allowed by law. You will see this in a more obvious way the further you get away from tourist areas.

However, if you find yourself in a tourist-friendly city during Ramadan, there are plenty of activities and attractions to experience without alcohol.

Regardless of religious beliefs, tourists should exercise caution when discussing alcohol with locals and remember to always respect and follow local customs when traveling in Turkey.

FAQs About ALcohol products and drinking age in Turkey

Final Thoughts about the Drinking Age in Turkey

Firstly we addressed the question “Is alcohol legal in Turkey” and then we figured out “What age can you drink in Turkey?” Respectively the answer is yes and the legal age of 18 if you missed it.

Adhering to Turkey’s legal drinking age is important. A restaurant won’t serve alcohol to a minor nor can a minor purchase it but they are often found drinking alcohol. So be careful.

Turkey has a fairly low drinking age for tourists, which can be great news for some travelers with an affinity for socializing.

Even though it is lower than America’s, it’s important to respect the laws and local customs of the country you’re visiting.

For more helpful advice on traveling to Turkey and what to expect, make sure to check out some of the posts below to prepare for your trip to Turkey.