Gov’t lifts midnight music ban imposed during pandemic across Turkey

Duvar English

Music Interpreters Chamber (MÜYORBİR) on June 23 announced that the government has lifted the midnight music ban imposed across Turkey after two years. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2021 announced that music broadcasting in places such as bars and nightclubs would end at 12.00 a.m. due to coronavirus measures. The Interior Ministry on 2022 extended the music broadcasting hours until 01.00 a.m.. 

Antalya and Muğla Provincial Public Health Boards on June 22 lifted the ban as the tourism season started and the provinces once again became tourist attraction points. 

The statement made by the chamber on its social media account is as follows, "We are happy to announce that pandemic restrictions in the music industry have been lifted across Turkey. We would like to thank the relevant ministries and individuals who contributed to this important decision for the music industry. May the music never stop."

Since its introduction, the rule was widely interpreted as the government's further grip on people's lives. The ban has also been affecting musicians grappling with financial struggles.

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