The Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning to travellers after several people died in Turkey.
The fresh advice has came after reports that people had fallen seriously unwell or died after they allegedly consumed illegally produced local spirits.
Holidaymakers who are planning to travel to Turkey from the UK are now being urged to only consume alcohol from reputable licensed liquor stores and bars. They should also thoroughly check labels and bottle seals for any signs that they have been tampered with.
It’s been widely reported recently, that over 100 people have passed away after drinking counterfeit alcohol in Turkey.
A statement on The Foreign Office website reads: “In Turkey, including Ankara and Istanbul, people have died or suffered serious illness after drinking illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol.”
To stay safe, they advise: “Buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores, buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels, avoid home-made alcoholic drinks, check bottle seals are intact, check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling.”
Additionally, the Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for those visiting Turkey during the holy month of Ramadan, expected to start on February 28 or March 1 and last for 29 or 30 days. The advice cautions that certain activities may cause offence to locals, reports Wales Online.
It says during this time, it may cause offence if you:
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eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
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play loud music or dance
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swear in public
Officials also tell tourists to be aware that the opening hours of shops and restaurants may change during this time and to be aware that if restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens. It added that people should “follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time.”
For more information on the situation in Turkey visit the Foreign Office website here.