Police raid ‘vape party’ in Istanbul, fine over 800 guests

ISTANBUL

Istanbul police raided a “vape party” hosting at least 800 guests on the night of Sept. 17, detaining three organizers and handing administrative fines to all attendees for “smoking indoors,” which is officially banned in Turkey.

After invitations for the “unlimited vape party” were posted on Facebook, police took the location on İstiklal Avenue in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district under physical and digital surveillance, daily Habertürk reported.

The organizers rented the terrace of a restaurant for the party, announcing that entrance was free and various kinds of vapes would be available for attendees free of charge.

Vapes are considered tobacco products in Turkey and legislation that applies for tobacco products also applies for vapes.

The Health Ministry has not yet licensed the import of any trademark of vapes in Turkey, though vapes have entered the country and are sold for between 150 and 450 Turkish Liras over the internet or through illegal trafficking.