Butchers in north Cyprus introduces ‘service fee’ to sidestep price controls

Butchers in north Cyprus have introduced a “service fee” for their customers to sidestep price controls introduced by the ‘government’ for the retail price of lamb.

The government of north Cyprus had on Wednesday decreed that lamb meat can be sold for no more than 550TL per kilogram, with fines payable for offenders, but the implementation of a service fee is a clear indication that butchers have no intention of cutting their income.

Eyewitnesses on Saturday said service fees typically ranged between 10 and 15 per cent of the retail price of the meat.