The Council of State has imposed restrictions on the use of meal cards for shopping.

Due to high inflation, food prices have rapidly increased in Turkey, leading many employees to start shopping at supermarkets with meal cards. This situation prompted a call from the President of the Meal Card Association, Öner Piyade, who had previously requested restrictions on the use of meal cards in supermarkets. The decision made by the Council of State allowed for advantageous spending in restaurants while imposing limitations on their use in supermarkets.

COUNCIL OF STATE'S DECISION AND REACTIONS

The Council of State removed the exemption from premiums for restaurant expenses made with meal cards without a limit on the amount. This change will encourage employers to make payments for meal cards, but the restriction on their use in supermarkets has led to backlash in the sector. Although there has been a change in the SGK circular with the new regulation, the use of meal cards in supermarkets will remain limited to a daily premium exemption of 158 TL.

CONTINUED USE OF MEAL CARDS IN SUPERMARKETS IS EXPECTED

Although restaurant operators oppose this regulation, it is expected that many employees will continue to use meal cards in supermarkets to meet their basic needs in an inflationary environment. Therefore, there is a tendency for the continued use of meal cards in supermarkets and for restrictions not to be enforced.