Alcohol free zones!

"Parliament orders sober-zones

Bangkok Post

The National Legislative Assembly has suddenly proposed a total ban on drinking alcohol at temples, hospitals, places of medical services, drug stores, public offices and educational institutions - to be expanded later.

Spokesman Tuang Anthacha of the ad-hoc NLA committee which passed the proposal said the selective ban could be expanded at any time by "relevant ministers" or by a new Alcohol Control Policy Committee ordered by the new law. Under the draft bill, the alcohol consumption ban would not extend to private residences, clubs or parties.

A 31-member panel was formed to deliberate the cabinet-sponsored bill after the NLA on March 29 approved it in principle. The designation of alcohol-free zones is the first aspect of the controversial bill to pass deliberation by the NLA. The committee yesterday concluded Section 28 which bars all marketing activities of alcohol products, ranging from free samples, price cuts, free gifts and lucky draws to the redemption of product packagings. The committee also added a ban on tie-in sales to Section 28.

The panel agreed to Section 25 whereby alcohol manufacturers and importers must put health warnings on product packaging. The current health warnings only indicate that alcohol consumption hinders driving ability. Any violators of Section 25 would face a one-year jail term or a maximum of a 100,000 baht fine or both. The fine has been raised from 20,000 baht in the government-approved draft.

Mr Tuang said there are three issues left in the draft bill's deliberation - the make-up and authority of the liquor product-related policy committee, an alcohol control committee, and a total ban on alcohol advertising, which is the most controversial aspect of the bill.

The bill, passed by the cabinet in March, aims to reduce alcoholic beverage consumption. It also raises the minimum age for buying alcohol from 18 to 20."

Bangkok Post

Would temples included Christian churches? No wine!