Question 1

What is the "Counterfeit Spirits at Resort Bars and Hotel Drink Service" scam in Antalya?

Accepted Answer

Gendarmerie teams raided the storage depot of a hotel in Antalya's Kemer resort district on 3 July 2026 and seized 13,000 litres of counterfeit and smuggled alcohol — including fake champagne — held in barrels, cans and bottles and prepared for sale in an area heavily used by foreign tourists. Antalya has been one of the two focal points, alongside Istanbul, of Turkey's national bootleg-alcohol crackdown, with gendarmerie seizing 33,554 litres of fake and smuggled alcohol in a single fortnight in August 2025. The fraud works by refilling branded spirit bottles with cheap, unlicensed or home-distilled liquor and charging full brand prices at hotel bars, beach clubs and unlicensed venues. Beyond being financially fraudulent, the counterfeit product is dangerous: methanol-tainted bootleg spirits have killed well over a hundred people across Turkey since the start of 2025. Drink only at licensed venues and ask for sealed bottles or cans to be opened in front of you rather than spirits poured from an unmarked bottle behind the bar. Treat suspiciously cheap "premium" imported spirits and unlimited-drinks offers at unlicensed beach or pool bars as a warning sign, and stick to beer or wine from sealed bottles if unsure. Seek emergency medical help immediately for blurred vision, severe nausea, stomach pain or confusion after drinking.

Question 2

What is the "Restaurant Menu Switch" scam in Antalya?

Accepted Answer

Restaurants display attractive photo menus with reasonable prices outside to lure tourists in. Once seated, a different higher-priced menu is presented, or the bill includes items at significantly inflated prices compared to what was shown. Confirm prices from the indoor menu before ordering. Ask to see the English-language priced menu. Check each line of the bill before paying.

Restaurant Scams in Antalya

Counterfeit Spirits at Resort Bars and Hotel Drink Service

Restaurant Menu Switch

Experienced a scam here?