US EditionThailand Rolls Out US$300 Fines for Daytime Drinkers in Change to Alcohol Laws
Thailand's amended laws impose fines of 10,000 baht for drinking alcohol during restricted hours and ban promotional use of celebrities to tighten alcohol control.
- On Nov 8, Thailand amended The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act to impose fines of 10 baht or more for drinking during restricted hours, tightening enforcement and marketing rules.
- Amid the changes, advertising must be purely factual and enforcement is strengthened, banning celebrities, influencers and public figures while allowing limited exemptions for licensed entertainment venues, hotels, certified establishments in tourist areas and airports offering international flights.
- Section 32 clarifies that patrons who buy drinks before 2pm but drink after face fines, as some businesses operate as hybrid bars and restaurants from 11am to 2am on Khao San Road, Bangkok.
- Industry representatives expect lower off-peak sales and strained restaurant operations, as Bob, an assistant manager, said alcohol sales may halve during prohibited hours.
- Critics warn the changes will confuse foreign tourists and complicate enforcement, as officials and inspectors may exploit the stricter laws to fine customers and businesses for personal gain.
13 Articles
13 Articles
When the clock strikes 2 p.m., it's time to spit in the glass. At least for everyone in Thailand. Today, stricter alcohol laws are being introduced in the country, and anyone who defies the rules faces hefty fines.
Anyone vacationing in Thailand who drinks a beer in the afternoon, for example, risks a hefty fine starting Saturday due to changes to alcohol laws. Thai authorities have tightened the rules and decided to enforce them more rigorously.
A refreshing beer in the afternoon sun can be an expensive affair. Today, stricter alcohol laws are being introduced in Thailand – making it illegal to drink alcoholic beverages.
Malay Mail
AlKhaleej TodayDrink at the wrong time in Thailand and you could face a 10,000-baht fine
BANGKOK, Nov 8 — Thailand is cracking down on afternoon drinking, with new laws now in force that could see anyone caught with an alcoholic beverage in hand during banned hours fined at least 10,000 baht (RM 1,290).Under the amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, drinking or being served alcohol between 2pm and 5pm in most retail outlets and supermarkets is now a personal liability, Bangkok Post reported today.According to the Thai daily, these…
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