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A diner in southern Türkiye who challenged what he described as an inflated restaurant bill was fined by authorities after filing a complaint, in a case that has sparked debate over consumer protection and pricing practices.
Murat S., who visited a cafeteria in Antalya, said he paid about $522 (₺22,850) for a meal that included meatballs, a cheese plate, two salads and soft drinks.
After applying to the Consumer Arbitration Committee for a refund, his complaint was rejected on the grounds of “free market conditions,” and he was also fined around $160 for not obtaining a receipt.
The incident took place at The BBQ Grill Cafe in Antalya’s Kepez district, according to the Turkish publication Hurriyet.
Murat S. said he visited the cafeteria around 3 p.m. with a friend.
He stated that the order included one portion of meatballs, a cheese plate, two shepherd’s salads, and two nonalcoholic cocktails suggested by the waiter.
About an hour later, he said he was shocked to see a bill of over $522.
“I thought it was a hidden camera joke,” he said. After realizing the bill was real, he paid the amount and later filed a complaint.
According to his account:
Murat S. said he contacted Türkiye’s police emergency line for help but was told officers could not intervene in such matters. He later visited a local police station and was directed to the Consumer Arbitration Committee.
He said he expected a refund but instead received a fine for failing to obtain a receipt from the business.
“While I was expecting my money back, I faced a decision I never imagined,” he said. “First, they fined me for not getting a receipt. Then they rejected my application, citing free market conditions. What kind of free market is this?”
He argued the bill should not have exceeded 1,000 lira and said he had been treated unfairly.
The Kepez District Consumer Arbitration Committee reviewed the case and ruled that the complaint could not proceed because price disputes alone do not justify reimbursement under free market rules.
In its official assessment, the committee said the file had been examined and concluded that the complainant could not claim a price difference solely because the amount charged was excessive under market conditions.
The committee also stated that it had requested a defense from the business on Aug. 15, 2025, but did not receive a response within the required 30-day period.
Despite this, the board rejected the application and imposed a fine on the customer for not obtaining proof of purchase.
Why this matters for consumers in Türkiye
The dispute has drawn attention in Türkiye because it highlights several issues:
Murat S. said he continues to challenge the penalty and has called for the decision to be reconsidered.
“I leave this evaluation to the public’s conscience,” he said, arguing that even higher charges would likely have produced the same outcome under the ruling.
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