THREE businesses in Altinkum have been closed for three days for hassling tourists, while seven others were fined for playing excessively loud music, by the Didim Governor.

Governor İskender Yönden said hassling – which has largely dropped out of sight for the last five years, but appears to be creeping back as the tourism season hits skid row – was still not socially acceptable and condemned the touts’ actions.

Governor Iskender Yondem has had enough of hassling.

He said three workplaces were closed for three days and seven business fined 2,500TL for excessive music.

The closures and fines were issued following a joint operation by Didim Municipality, the Police Department, Gendarmerie and CCTV camera operators monitoring Yali Caddesi – Altinkum’s main waterfront.

He said the hasslers – or hanutçuluk  in Turkish – has been hassling tourists and holidaymakers. The issue is ranked as the worst for complaints in the district according to surveys.

The governor, at a meeting with Altinkum shopkeepers pre-season, had warned them not to tour for business.

“The peace and security of domestic and foreign tourists in Altinkum Yale Caddesi is paramount. Having 24-hour CCTV has helped enormously in the struggle against the hasslers,” Mr Yönden added.

The offending business will be closed for 15 days if the offences are repeated, he warned.

He reiterated that music could only played up to 12 midnight in the open as per the local laws.