Hıdır Karayiğit, 46, who worked as an accountant in the Saruhan district of Manisa, was talking with the owner the bar, Hamza Havutçu, 42, when a group of four men entered and started to smoke while drinking alcohol at the bar. Karayiğit and Havutçu warned the men to put out their cigarettes but a dispute erupted when the group refused to do so. Karayiğiyt was shot dead in the dispute by one of the men, who has not yet been identified, while Havutçu was injured.The suspects fled the scene immediately and Havutçu was hospitalized. The gendarmerie is searching for the suspects.
A smoking ban went into effect on July 19, prohibiting smoking in all indoor areas including cafes, bars and restaurants. Law No. 4207, on the Prevention of the Harmful Effects of Tobacco and Tobacco Products, requires that all restaurants, coffeehouses, cafeterias and bars have an appropriate outdoor area if they wish to allow smoking. The ban levies a TL 69 fine on those who smoke in a forbidden zone and a hefty fine of up to TL 5,600 for operators who allow it to happen. Health Ministry officials have carried out 20,019 inspections since the smoking ban was expanded on July 19. While 2,424 warnings were made during the inspections, no businesses have yet been fined.
