Nationwide ban on alcohol now in effect
BANGKOK: -- All stores as well as venues serving drinks across the country have to stop selling alcohol, effective as of yesterday, the Excise Department said.
The sale of liquor has been deemed to be a severe social order problem, and the government has decided this is best course of action for the people.
The restrictions would go into effect today and will last a period of one year at this time the law will be revaluated.
In other health-related developments, an anti-smoking campaigner suggested a nationwide smoking ban go into effect.
Thailand Health Promotion Foundation president Dr Hathai Chitanond said smoking cigarette could send the wrong message to the public that cigarettes are ok for the people. We must set an example for our children.
Narong said he would not comment further until after today’s meeting of a committee assigned by Public Health Minister Pinij Charusombat to look into the question of cigarette.
The meeting involves representatives from the police, Council of State, Attorney-General’s Office, and the Finance, Commerce and Public Health ministries,Deputy Public Health Minister Anutin Charnveerakul said.
Anutin said the new concept would later be the subject of legal interpretation.
Anutin said Pinij’s policy is for the ministry to “teach by example” by making its offices anti-smoking zones and placing cigarette receptacles at the entrances. These measures will later be extended to other ministries and official buildings.
--The AE Times 2005-04-01
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