Istanbul mandates facial recognition cameras for liquor stores
In Istanbul, businesses selling alcohol and cigarettes are now required to install facial recognition camera systems. Footage must be stored for at least one month, and establishments failing to comply will face penalties.
Duvar English
The Istanbul Governor’s Office on Nov. 28 mandated businesses with licenses to sell alcohol and cigarettes to install facial recognition and night-vision camera systems.
The decision, aimed at "protecting minors under 18 from harmful habits such as alcohol and cigarettes," requires compliance under penalty of fines.
According to a notice sent by the Istanbul Governorship to businesses such as liquor stores and markets selling alcohol and cigarettes, camera systems must be installed to monitor and record the sales area, all entry and exit points, and parking lots, if any, from various angles.
The cameras must have sufficient resolution, night vision capabilities for clear recordings in dark environments, and be able to operate continuously 24/7. Recordings will need to be archived for at least 30 days and should include date and time information for easy access when required.
Businesses failing to comply with these regulations will face penalties under the "non-compliance with orders" clause of the Misdemeanor Law.
All establishments are required to implement the necessary infrastructure by Jan. 1.