Smoking in Marmaris Turkey is subject to current laws, regulations and we believe you should know your rights as a non smoker. Thus, we will refrain from saying ‘This is Turkey’ ‘burası Türkiye’ and review the current laws, regulations, reality that concern smoking in Marmaris and non smoker’s rights.
When did the smoking ban begin in Turkey?
Luckily the Turkish government has put a real fight against smoking. Sixteen years ago in 2009 smoking indoors was prohibited. The ban on smoking in enclosed spaces was implemented on May 19, 2008, with the enactment of the “Law on the Prevention and Control of the Harms of Tobacco Products,” numbered 4207. This law prohibits the use of tobacco products in all enclosed public areas. It was extended to private establishments on July 19, 2009. Currently, smoking is banned in places such as educational institutions, healthcare facilities, public transportation, and various social venues. However, this law does not extend to residential places i.e. private homes.
What are the fines for smoking indoors in 2025 in Marmaris Turkey?
According to the Yeşilay (‘Green Crescent’), the ban is generally enforced, yet some businesses still disregard it, even after paying fines. As of 2025, individuals caught smoking indoors face fines of 1,406 TL, while non-compliant businesses are fined between 19,476 TL and 97,745 TL. Despite these substantial penalties, many businesses continue to flout the regulations. Citizens exposed to cigarette smoke express concerns not only about their health but also about the lingering smell of smoke on their clothes and hair when they return home.
Where is smoking prohibited in Marmaris Turkey?
Prohibited areas include health and education buildings, public transportation vehicles, cultural and social service buildings, entertainment venues, and private businesses. Smoking is banned in all of these areas, except for private residences. The smoking ban aims to protect both smokers and those exposed to smoke. However, in some establishments, open areas have been converted into smoking areas, which causes difficulties in the effective enforcement of the ban.
Then the next step was taken further to prohibit smoking in open air restaurants and cafes. However, local restaurants, cafes, hotels tend to be flexible with smokers. You still see ashtrays on tables indoors and outdoors. The Turkish police fine offenders in which case those are the establishment and the smoker.
How to complain and report an offence of the smoking ban in Marmaris Turkey?
Turkey has gone digital and reporting a violation is now easier than ever. You can call 184 to report the offcence or download the application called ‘YEŞİL DEDEKTÖR‘ (Green Detector in English) to report a violation of the smoking ban. This system was introduced back in 2016 and effectively implemented to stop smoking as per the smoking ban in Turkey. A notification of a smoking violation is received at a venue with the Green Detector, and as the inspection team arrives at the location, the inspection of the reported area is monitored from the screens set up in Ankara.
‘According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use kills more than 8 million people a year. Of these deaths, 1.2 million are people who have been exposed to second-hand smoke. This is smoke emitted from a cigarette or another tobacco product or exhaled by a smoker. The WHO describes tobacco use as “one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced”. Smoking is widely seen as a risk factor for conditions that can be fatal, such as lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.’
For your information Green Crescent (Turkish: Yeşilay) is a non-profit organisation that fights smoking, alcohol, and other addictions such as drug use, and provides services and protection methods to all citizens, especially the young, affected by harmful habits.[2] It was established on 5 March 1920 in Istanbul. (Wikipedia)
Marmarisinfo.com remains an independent source of Marmaris information since 1997, solely owned by 4S Company.
Sources: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health https://www.saglik.gov.tr
Yeşil Dedektör
Smoking bans: These countries are tackling tobacco use | World Economic Forum
World Health Organization (WHO)
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