In recent days, 14 Marmaris nightlife hotspots were shut down in a massive clampdown – and now Brits are voicing their anger.
Turkey ‘finished’ as holiday destination with millions of UK tourists warned
Turkey is “finished” with millions of UK tourists warned their holidays could be ruined by a new curfew. In recent days, 14 Marmaris nightlife hotspots were shut down in a massive clampdown – and now Brits are voicing their anger.
One British woman, known as LifeOfLottss on TikTok, posted a clip showing the desolate city with closed restaurants, bars and clubs at just after midnight. The UK tourist said: “It’s 12:20am – all the music went off at 12 and as you can see down the street, lights are off,” she demonstrated in a video.
“People are still in the bars, but it looks like they are paying their bills – this is crazy – I have never seen it like this before.” A second admitted she was “so sad” as she made her way through Marmaris’ deserted streets. “Bars closed 12am, out by 12:30,” she said.
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“No dancing on tables, no tops off, no sparklers, and no dancing on chairs. Tourism is finished.” In recent days, the Mugla district town became the focus of a sweeping crackdown after disturbing footage of sexually aggressive “dance shows” and inappropriate conduct by bar staff circulated widely on social media.
“It’s pitch black and not even 12:30am yet,” LifeOfLottss added alongside the clip of the holiday hotspot in Turkey. “So these are the new rules – music off, lights off – let’s see how long it lasts. I hope it doesn’t last.”
Across Turkish social media, users condemned what they described as “humiliating,” “vulgar” and “dangerous” practices, particularly those targeting female tourists.
“People dancing naked on tables is not entertainment. These are not professional dancers, they are regular staff members,” said Association President Cengiz Aygun to Turkish newspaper Milliyet.
Two venues were shut down indefinitely due to documentation issues while nine received a seven-day closure and three received a three-day suspension.
Another took to Facebook to say: “I’m in Marmaris and all bars we drink in are closing at 12.30. If you don’t go out until it’s cooled off 8/9ish then you are lucky to get 3/4 hours before they close.
“The only choice is bar street which we tried yesterday and it’s £12 for a vodka, £8 for an efes. Apparently it’s the mayor of Marmaris new rule to improve tourism. From what I have seen the bars are following the rules for fear of being closed down for up to 5 days
“Obviously some will break the rules as they always have previously.” And another commented: “Yawn.
“I remember the music off at midnight rule coming into play and all they did was just shut the doors and carried on with the music… when there’s a will there’s a way!”