Sanitary Establishments

Sanitary establishments are all workplaces other than non-sanitary establishments, such as places selling meat and fish products, grocery stores, markets, delicatessens, nut shops, kiosks, greengrocers, canteens, bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, cafeterias, barbers and hairdressers, taxi stands, covered and open parking lots, car dealerships, offices, all kinds of retail outlets, baths, saunas, etc.

Minimum Common Requirements for Sanitary Establishments

• The workplace must be designed appropriately for its purpose, clean, and well-lit.

• The workplace must have a ventilation system; heating and ventilation should be provided by an appropriate stove, radiator, or air-conditioning system.

• In workplaces that operate under a single license but have multiple activity areas, the conditions specified for each activity must also be met separately.

• Independent workplaces with more than ten employees must have a rest area, changing cabins, and separate toilets for men and women. However, in business centers, passages, terminals, or other places housing multiple workplaces, if there are sufficient common sinks and toilets, additional toilet and sink facilities are not required for the individual workplaces.

• Necessary measures must be taken for the collection and storage of waste generated at the workplace, and a proper connection must be provided for the discharge of wastewater.

• In workplaces where food and beverages are sold, stored, or served, floors, walls, and surfaces that come into contact with food must be made of easily cleanable and disinfectable materials such as ceramic, marble, or stainless steel. Ceilings must prevent condensation, mold, and dirt accumulation. Doors must also be easy to clean and disinfect if necessary. A ventilation and exhaust system must be installed in food preparation and cooking areas to remove steam, smoke, odors, and other pollutants. Glassware and dishes must be glass or porcelain, and cutlery must be stainless steel.

• Workplaces not requiring a fire department report must still implement fire safety measures to protect employees and customers.

• In publicly accessible rest and entertainment venues or workplaces with high foot traffic, separate entry and exit doors and an additional emergency exit must be provided, clearly marked with illuminated signage.

• Publicly accessible rest, entertainment, and accommodation venues, as well as restaurants and patisseries, must have city water network connections. Smoking and non-smoking areas must be separated by walls or glass partitions.

• In public rest and entertainment venues, accommodation facilities, wedding halls, restaurants, and similar workplaces, toilet floors and walls must be covered with easily cleanable, washable, and disinfectable materials such as marble, ceramic, or mosaic. Toilets must not be adjacent to kitchens.

Control of Licenses Issued Based on Declarations for Sanitary Establishments

According to Article 12 of the Regulation on Workplace Opening and Operating Licenses (Decision No. 2005/9207), if the application is found to comply with the specified criteria, the workplace opening and operating license is issued to the applicant without any further procedure.

However, according to Article 13 of the same regulation, workplaces granted an opening and operating license must be inspected by the authorized authorities within one month from the date of issuance. During inspections, if any non-compliance or deficiencies are found, the workplace operator is given a one-time period of fifteen (15) days to correct the issues. If the deficiencies are not corrected within the given period, the license is canceled, and the workplace is closed.