Newsletters
A Burger King outlet in Istanbul has been fined after authorities looked into social media claims that a mother and her child were not allowed to sit and eat inside the restaurant, in what officials described as an unacceptable situation.
The incident came to light after a social media user claimed they had ordered food from a Burger King outlet for a mother and child who were reportedly in financial difficulty. The user alleged that the pair was not allowed to dine inside the restaurant. According to the post, staff initially refused to serve the meal on-site, instead suggesting it could only be provided as takeaway.
The same user said that after other customers reacted, the restaurant eventually served the family, bringing the situation to an end.
Following the claims, the Turkish Trade Ministry launched an inquiry and sent inspection teams from the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Trade to the location on the same day. Officials said the alleged behavior toward the mother and child could not be accepted under any circumstances, stressing that no one should be told they cannot sit in a public venue.
During the inspection, authorities identified violations of existing regulations and imposed an administrative fine on the business. While the exact amount of the penalty was not disclosed, such fines in Türkiye are typically issued for breaches of consumer protection and fair trade rules.
The ministry further stated that the case had been recorded under the category of “unfair commercial practice,” a legal framework in Türkiye that covers actions deemed discriminatory or misleading toward consumers.
The file will now be forwarded to the Advertising Board, a regulatory body operating under the Directorate General for Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
3 min read
