Restaurateurs in Northern Cyprus threatened to stage protests over a ban on meat imports.

The North Cyprus Restaurateurs’ Union RES-BİR announced readiness for protests if authorities do not allow the import of beef and lamb carcasses. This was stated in the organization’s official statement.

According to RES-BİR representatives, meat prices have reached an unacceptable level, causing some restaurants to be on the verge of closure. At the same time, there is an outflow of customers to Southern Cyprus, causing serious harm to the North Cyprus economy.

The statement emphasizes that amid the depreciation of the Turkish lira, key expenses continue to rise — including meat, electricity, rent, wages, and other operational costs. Under such conditions, restaurants can no longer compete with establishments in the south of the island on price.

"We have lost the ability to compete with Southern Cyprus. As a result, residents increasingly buy meat there, which turns into a serious outflow of financial resources from the country’s economy," the statement notes.

RES-BİR calls for the immediate implementation of a mechanism for importing fresh beef and lamb carcasses, which should also consider the interests of local producers. According to the union, the solution should be developed on a transparent platform with the participation of all stakeholders.

It is also reported that in case the demands are ignored, a plan for protest actions has already been prepared. It intends to involve not only restaurants but also economic organizations, butchers, suppliers, and slaughterhouses.