Alcohol to be banned at temples,schools18 June 2007
Bangkok Thailand
An ad-hoc committee in the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) yesterday approved the Alcohol Control Bill's clause to outlaw the promotion of alcohol sales.
The committee was assigned to vet the bill before it goes for a second reading by the NLA.
Spokesman Tuang Antachai said the committee agreed the bill should ban manufacturers from offering discounts, freebies, samples and the right to join a lucky draw.
"We have also added another clause that alcohol must not be sold as a bundle of various products," Tuang said.
He said the committee approved a clause in the bill banning alcohol being drunk in temples, hospitals, medical-service facilities and pharmacies - except in places designated as "personal areas".
The clause will prohibit alcohol being drunk in government and educational compounds too, with limited exceptions such as for parties or cocktail-making classes.
However, Tuang said the committee was divided about a clause that comprehensively bans alcohol advertising, including brand displays.
"We have established a panel to look into this issue and explore some alternatives," he said.
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