Shock as strict curfews turn top Turkish seaside resort into ghost town after midnight
A POPULAR tourist destination's night-time curfew means clubs are forced to close by midnight - and tourists have said it has killed off the night scene.
Marmaris in Turkey has been cracking down on its nightlife with early closures and a ban on late night music being played.
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The crackdown is in response to concerns about harassment and inappropriate behaviour in some of the venues in the area.
The decision is also to respect residents in the region.
Whilst the curfew and stronger reinforcement of it have come into force more recently, the stopping of music at midnight has been in place for some time.
And venues are expected to close by 1am, with drinkers told to leave by 12:30am.
However, if these rules are broken, officials can close venues.
With the recent changes, some Brits have taken to social media to document and talk about the change in atmosphere in Marmaris.
A recent TikTok video shows that some of the bars have been closed, with tape across the front stopping tourists from entering.
The bars' corresponding beach sections have also been closed off - causing the beachfront to be empty of tourists.
In another video, a user shared how the rules mean no dancing on tables, no tops off, no sparklers and no dancing on chairs.
They added: "Tourism is finished."
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On one of the videos, a user commented: "Marmaris is finished as a holiday resort, was there in May - empty and very expensive."
Another said: "I used to love Marmaris but it's become boring and even the hotel bars shut at like 12:30am which is dull.
"I won't go anymore now as it's become crazy expensive."
A third agreed: "We don't go on holiday for nightlife so doesn't bother us but was sad to see places so empty."
However, some holidaymakers have had different experiences, with some saying they haven't noticed an impact.
One visitor commented: "Just got back today and had a great time."
Another said: "Now I would be more likely to go."
A third wrote: "Here now, still been a fantastic as ever great atmosphere great memories no complaints here."
Whilst some of the rules have been around for a while, it appears officials are enforcing the rules more so than usual.
As a result, in areas along the promenade, the party destination appears more tame than before.
Over in Spain, a tourist hotspot also plans 'to ban 24-hour bars' as it brings in strict curfew.
Plus, there has been a boost to Brits planning summer staycations as new rules mean hotels and restaurants will be much cheaper.
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