Turkish Parliament Gears Up for Busy Week with New Legislation on Alcohol Sales and Land Use

The Turkish Parliament is bracing for a busy legislative week following a 10-day holiday break. The General Assembly and various commissions will convene to discuss new draft laws. A key proposal expected to be debated is the "Law on Soil Conservation and Land Use and the Rice Law and Amendments to Certain Laws." This legislation aims to tighten regulations on alcohol sales and advertising, prohibiting the use of brand names or logos associated with alcoholic beverages in business premises and at events. It also introduces a sales ban between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and empowers provincial administrators to enforce these rules. Another significant aspect of the proposed laws concerns agricultural lands. It seeks to prevent real estate cooperatives from acquiring ownership or limited real rights over these lands, with exceptions requiring ministerial approval for agricultural cooperatives. The bill also introduces penalties for unauthorized construction on agricultural land and prohibits utility services to such structures. Stricter administrative fines are stipulated for violations. Furthermore, the proposed legislation includes provisions for the sale and lease of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) properties, reforms to disciplinary actions and fines for veterinarians, the establishment of carbon sink forests, and regulations concerning sugar beet cultivation and supply chains.