The House of Representatives unanimously passed the third reading of amendments to the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act yesterday, which will ease restrictions on advertising, remove the decades-old 2pm-5pm ban on the sale of alcohol and to allow its sale in vending machines and on government property on certain occasions, such as OTOP fairs.
Pheu Thai MP Chanin Rungtanakiat, deputy chair of the House committee scrutinising the amendment bill, hailed its passage after prolonged scrutiny and balancing of pros and cons.
He noted that the highlight of the bill is the easing of restrictions on the advertising of alcoholic drinks. After the bill comes into effect, he said that businesses will be able to advertise alcoholic drinks, but only in a way that is not seen as encouraging people to drink.
People’s Party MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn said in his Facebook post today that the bill will clear up ambiguities in the existing liquor control law, specifically about what businesses can or cannot do regarding the sale of alcohol.
He added that the bill requires businesses to be more vigilant in the sale of alcohol to underage people or to already inebriated customers.
He also said that the bill will help to promote tourism and will save people from being unfairly treated by the police.
The bill will now be forwarded to the Senate for deliberation.
