Dannie Boy wrote: ↑Fri Feb 16, 2024 11:52 am.. maybe alcohol and availability aren't the issue.
You’re probably right - but to resolve that issue they’d probably only allow sales for an hour a day!!
You get the feeling that the military controllers of this country would ban it outright if the families behind two massive corporate conglomerates didn't have so much sway.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
What kind of answer did they think they would get when presenting an "alcoholic beverage control committee" with the proposal? It's manned by purist anti-everything concerning drinking. News articles and policies over the years confirms that opinion over and over again about those people. Similar to the big hair women who staff the movie censorship bureau. This place will never break free of their "Nanny we know what's best for you" attitude and methods coming from the hi-so top, down to the common people.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
The problem is that PT are a minority in their own coaltion, and the conservative / establishment parties aren't giving theem any leeway on anything. Plus all the groups appointed by the junta - senate, NACC, CC, are still turning the screw on anything they don't like. I can't see it continuing, as it's just leading to paralysis in government.
Committee to study impact of longer drinking hours
The National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee will set up a panel to study the proposal to extend alcohol sales hours, according to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew.
Dr Cholnan said there are several laws and related regulations regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages, and these rules must be reviewed before any changes are made to the policy.
He said the study will examine the impact of longer drinking hours on public health and economic growth, as currently, there is insufficient data for the committee to make a decision.
...
About 800 people from various temperance groups on Monday gathered at the Ministry of Public Health to campaign against the proposed changes to alcoholic beverage selling hours.
Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin, who chairs the committee, assured them the committee would not change the policy.
That'll solve it, let the panel of purists and teetotalers "study" it and decide. I can see the "unhappy hours" and restrictions being extended after this.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Licencing hours were relaxed in the UK years ago and didn't lead to an increase in consumption. In fact consumption has been steadily decreasing since 2009. Therefore the argument that removing the restrictions in the afternoon will lead to increased drinking is nonsense.
Can buy in bars and restaurants anytime. The 2til 5 restrictions only applies to shops etc although Villa sells anytime.
So the limit is totally stupid!
Actually that's not true. The restriction does include bars and restaurants. There are exceptions in 'tourist areas' which of course includes Hua Hin.
Timing: The ban is in effect from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, every day.
Locations Affected: This ban applies to various types of establishments, including convenience stores, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants. It means that these businesses are not allowed to sell alcoholic beverages during these hours.
Intent: The primary intent behind this regulation is to curb excessive daytime drinking, promote responsible alcohol consumption, and reduce alcohol-related accidents and incidents during the afternoon hours.
Enforcement: The enforcement of the afternoon alcohol ban is generally carried out by local authorities and law enforcement agencies. They conduct routine checks and inspections to ensure compliance with the ban.
Penalties: Businesses found violating the afternoon alcohol ban can face penalties, including fines and potential loss of their liquor licenses. The severity of penalties may vary depending on the specific regulations in different provinces.
Exceptions: Some exceptions to this ban may apply, particularly in certain tourist areas or special zones where businesses catering to tourists may have more relaxed regulations. Additionally, the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption off-premises, such as in liquor stores, may also be subject to these restrictions.
There are some restaurants that still adhere to the 2-5pm ban.
benmo wrote:Can buy in bars and restaurants anytime. The 2til 5 restrictions only applies to shops etc although Villa sells anytime.
So the limit is totally stupid!
Exactly. I wonder which planet the Thai politicians are living on? The restrictions which are now in place isn't preventing anyone from getting alcohol whenever they want it! It is only ridiculous!
benmo wrote: ↑Tue Feb 20, 2024 5:07 pm
Villa sells anytime.
So the limit is totally stupid!
Agree, totally stupid Was next to a disbelieving tourist in Bluport the week before last, when amongst the usual things you might see a tourist buying upon arrival, he also had the quite usual 6-pack of beer. The look on his face was a picture!
I notice Villa get away with it in Hua Hin, but from time to time, they do get pulled up for selling alcohol out of hours, and in Bkk, the VM's I use at Thonglor and K Village, definitely do not sell alcohol during the bogey hours.
The whole thing is just the military and purists lording their power over the plebs ... "we're in control and don't you forget it."
The ruling makes no sense whatsoever because most of the aggro and accidents are caused by moonshine Lao Khao which is still cheap and freely available everywhere. Stopping tourists from buying a couple of beers or a bottle of wine in the afternoon just makes Thailand look stupid (but we knew that already).
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Wins the 2024 award for stupidity and Nanny control. I hope the vendors/bottlers/venue owners tell them to stuff it up their collective arses and refuse to do it.
They're not giving it time for discussion or complaints. Off it goes for signature shortly. Most likely revenge for extending the drinking hours last month. Can someone please throw these people into the sea?!
Note: It's not the politicians who are doing things like this, it's the unelected bureaucratic corps this country is burdened with!
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source