Thailand broadens alcohol sale rules

BANGKOK  Tougher rules will soon apply to end alcohol sales close to schools as well as fuel and transport stations, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Public Health.
Thailand’s National News Bureau said the health ministry was pushing forward with its alcohol sales ban at shops near schools and broadening the range of alcoholic beverages that will come under new regulations.
Minister of Public Health, Rajata Rajatanavin, said that many agencies were working to solve problems caused by alcohol consumption by imposing the Alcohol Control Act BE 2551 that forbids the sales of alcohol to persons under 20 years old and sales in certain places such as official agencies, education institutes, dormitories, fuel stations, and transport stations.
inside no 8NNT said the government is now preparing a Prime Minister’s Office announcement on the ban of alcohol sales within a radius of 300 metres of public and private education institutes.
This could impact on entertainment and bars that are close to schools in downtown Bangkok. It will not apply to hotels.
The Public Health Minister has stressed the Ministry’s role is to enhance a healthy public lifestyle, and resolve issues that stem from alcohol consumption including underage sex, drug abuse, disputes and physical harassment.
An updated Alcohol Control Act will cover a wider range of newer alcoholic beverages, a broader definition of alcoholic beverages, while imposing sales restrictions based on time and places. It could also extend to online sales.
The amendment of the Alcohol Control Act will be presented for the consideration of the sub-committee on 24 July.

sourced:ttrweekly.com