Istanbul tops 1.3M inspections to enforce indoor smoking ban

Istanbul has surpassed 1.3 million inspections since the enforcement of its indoor smoking ban, according to data released by the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate. Over the past five years, officials have inspected more than 1.349 million businesses, resulting in fines totaling approximately TL 694.7 million ($14.7 million). These inspections took place between 2022 and the first half of 2026, with 110,405 checks conducted during the initial six months of this year alone. The indoor smoking ban, which began on July 19, 2009, restricts smoking in all enclosed public spaces such as restaurants, cafes, and bars. Private homes are the sole exception. The policy aims to safeguard non-smokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Since its implementation, authorities have taken strict measures to ensure compliance, including temporary closures of 681 businesses due to repeated violations and issuing administrative fines to 1,958 individuals. In 2022, the number of businesses found violating the ban stood at 3,210, rising to 8,305 in 2025 before dropping slightly to 6,479 in the first half of 2026. Despite this fluctuation, the overall trend shows a consistent increase in enforcement efforts. Fines imposed on businesses have also climbed steadily, starting at TL 22.3 million in 2022, increasing to TL 33 million in 2023, followed by TL 154.6 million in 2024 and a record high of TL 279 million in 2025. From January to May 2026, another TL 205.8 million in fines were levied against violators. To support enforcement, 65 inspection teams composed of 145 personnel are currently conducting regular, complaint-based, follow-up, and cross-inspections throughout the city. Citizens can report violations via the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate or through the Health Ministry’s SABIM 184 hotline. Between 2022 and 2026, authorities responded to 36,509 reports, leading to additional inspections. Professor Dr. Hasan Volkan Kara, a member of the Scientific Board of the Turkish Green Crescent (Yeşilay), highlighted the importance of maintaining smoke-free indoor spaces for public health. He pointed out that tobacco use causes around 8 million deaths globally each year, with 1.2 million attributed to secondhand smoke exposure. “One of the most important purposes of smoke-free air policies is to protect people who do not smoke,” he stated, noting that harmful particles from cigarette smoke can linger in enclosed spaces for up to six months. Kara further stressed that reducing visible smoking in public areas is crucial for preventing youth from normalizing tobacco use. He encouraged smokers to utilize free cessation services and urged citizens to continue reporting violations to help maintain compliance with the regulations. Authorities continue to monitor and enforce the indoor smoking ban, adapting strategies based on changing patterns of non-compliance. With ongoing inspections and public engagement initiatives, the goal remains to create healthier environments for all residents. As enforcement continues, the impact of these measures on public health outcomes will likely become increasingly evident.