Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertuğrul Günay stated that they would close hotels selling counterfeit alcohol that leads to deaths, saying, "We have launched a ruthless inspection campaign."
Stating that the problem of counterfeit alcohol cannot be solved with fines, Günay said, "Instead of me suffering, or instead of the people living in my country or the guests I host suffering, let that bandit suffer. Let the one who commits smuggling or forgery suffer." Noting that a regulation regarding alcoholic beverages had been made but was not sufficient, Günay stated the following:
Lower alcohol taxes
"We have two problems regarding alcohol. The first is illicit alcohol, and the second is counterfeit alcohol. The problem actually stems from the fact that illicit and counterfeit alcohol yield more profit and revenue. A regulation must be made such that these areas are not so attractive. We have a proposal regarding a further tax reduction on alcohol. Specifically regarding imported alcohol, which will prevent smuggling. We are working on that issue. We have reached a principle agreement with the Ministry of Finance. I believe a new regulation covering imported wines will be introduced soon. Additionally, the reduction of profit will also reduce smuggling. We are not a law enforcement organization that will fight smuggling and underground alcohol production. For that reason, we requested assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Interior. By fully mobilizing and sounding the alarm with municipalities and governorates, we have launched a ruthless inspection campaign at the start of the tourism season. I emphasize the word 'ruthless.' We are inspecting every place that sells alcohol."