So, you go to a restaurant for dinner and decide to spend a small fortune for a halfway decent bottle of wine. And, when the server brings the bottle to your table instead of showing you the wine’s label, they will now show you a disgusting picture.
Things are getting ridiculous…..
Another alcohol clampdown
Re: Another alcohol clampdown
And will they give equal space promoting the benefits of alcohol. I doubt it. They will paint it as an evil.
There are two sides to everything.
If you're in good shape, moderate drinking makes you 25% to 40% less likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or hardened arteries. This may be in part because alcohol can raise your HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels.
Of course there are just as many warnings about excessive drinking.Regular moderate drinkers are less likely to get kidney stones -- 41% less likely for those who drink beer, 33% for wine drinkers. Part of the reason may be that alcohol, like caffeine in coffee and tea, makes you pee more often. That helps clear out the tiny crystals that form stones.
There are two sides to everything.
Re: Another alcohol clampdown
Carabao Group takes dim view of alcohol control bill
Carabao Group views the new alcohol control bill, which features more stringent regulations for ads, as potentially hampering new players in the alcoholic beverage market.
The beer market in Thailand may be flat this year because of decreased consumer purchasing power since the pandemic, said Sathien Sathientham, chief executive of Carabao Group.
The pandemic had a negative effect on middle and low-income earners, decreasing their income, and the economy has not rebounded for these people, he said.
The beer market in Thailand was valued at 260 billion baht in 2023, making it the largest segment within the alcoholic beverage market.
A new liquor bill from the Public Health Ministry would impose tighter controls on alcohol-related advertisements, while three other bills from the public sector are now being considered by the House of Representatives.
"The law on alcoholic beverage ads should be relaxed. It has severe penalties and interpretation depends on the discretion of the authorities," Mr Sathien said.
"I have never seen a country with such strict laws for alcoholic beverage ads as Thailand. The law is unfair and inconsistent with the country's economic development. Newcomers cannot survive in this business as the law is too strict. The law should provide opportunities for competition, opening up room for newcomers."
He said given minimal competition in the Thai beer market, there has been no development of the industry.
"Stricter alcohol laws will make competition more difficult," said Mr Sathien.
"And I don't believe this law will reduce the number of boozers."
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/ge ... ntrol-bill
Carabao Group views the new alcohol control bill, which features more stringent regulations for ads, as potentially hampering new players in the alcoholic beverage market.
The beer market in Thailand may be flat this year because of decreased consumer purchasing power since the pandemic, said Sathien Sathientham, chief executive of Carabao Group.
The pandemic had a negative effect on middle and low-income earners, decreasing their income, and the economy has not rebounded for these people, he said.
The beer market in Thailand was valued at 260 billion baht in 2023, making it the largest segment within the alcoholic beverage market.
A new liquor bill from the Public Health Ministry would impose tighter controls on alcohol-related advertisements, while three other bills from the public sector are now being considered by the House of Representatives.
"The law on alcoholic beverage ads should be relaxed. It has severe penalties and interpretation depends on the discretion of the authorities," Mr Sathien said.
"I have never seen a country with such strict laws for alcoholic beverage ads as Thailand. The law is unfair and inconsistent with the country's economic development. Newcomers cannot survive in this business as the law is too strict. The law should provide opportunities for competition, opening up room for newcomers."
He said given minimal competition in the Thai beer market, there has been no development of the industry.
"Stricter alcohol laws will make competition more difficult," said Mr Sathien.
"And I don't believe this law will reduce the number of boozers."
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/ge ... ntrol-bill
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
Re: Another alcohol clampdown
Cabinet mulls easing alcohol curbs
The cabinet has agreed in principle on five bills to amend the alcoholic beverages control law, which seek to extend selling hours and allow greater flexibility for advertisements, prompting opposition from anti-alcohol advocates.
The bills entered their first reading in the House on Wednesday. The five draft laws were approved in principle for deliberation in a vote of 389 to nine with two abstentions.
A special House committee was consequently formed to scrutinise the bills before they are submitted for further deliberation in their second and third readings.
The special committee tasked with vetting the alcohol control bills has 42 members: seven cabinet ministers, 14 representatives of eligible voters, and representatives of political parties.
The bills were proposed by Thiraphat Khanawong and Charoen Charoenchai, both eligible voters; Taopipho Limjittrakorn, a Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok; Chanin Rungtanakiat, a Pheu Thai Party list-MP; and the cabinet.
The cabinet's version is expected to be used as the main draft to be reviewed by the House committee.
A network of advocacy groups that campaign for better control of alcohol consumption has submitted to the House an open letter expressing concern over the potential expansion of selling hours.
It also does not want to see alcohol sold and consumed in various places, and aims to limit both advertising channels and sales promotions.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ohol-curbs
The cabinet has agreed in principle on five bills to amend the alcoholic beverages control law, which seek to extend selling hours and allow greater flexibility for advertisements, prompting opposition from anti-alcohol advocates.
The bills entered their first reading in the House on Wednesday. The five draft laws were approved in principle for deliberation in a vote of 389 to nine with two abstentions.
A special House committee was consequently formed to scrutinise the bills before they are submitted for further deliberation in their second and third readings.
The special committee tasked with vetting the alcohol control bills has 42 members: seven cabinet ministers, 14 representatives of eligible voters, and representatives of political parties.
The bills were proposed by Thiraphat Khanawong and Charoen Charoenchai, both eligible voters; Taopipho Limjittrakorn, a Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok; Chanin Rungtanakiat, a Pheu Thai Party list-MP; and the cabinet.
The cabinet's version is expected to be used as the main draft to be reviewed by the House committee.
A network of advocacy groups that campaign for better control of alcohol consumption has submitted to the House an open letter expressing concern over the potential expansion of selling hours.
It also does not want to see alcohol sold and consumed in various places, and aims to limit both advertising channels and sales promotions.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ohol-curbs
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
Re: Another alcohol clampdown
Scholar calls for booze law overhaul
An instructor at Thammasat University has joined a chorus of voices espousing measures to promote alcohol consumption, including extending the hours of retail sales.
According to one pro-alcohol academic, the government should amend the laws to allow longer alcohol-selling hours for tourists, lift the total ban on alcohol advertisements, reduce the import tariffs on alcoholic beverages, adjust the excise tax structure and offer wider support to small- and medium-sized enterprises that produce or sell alcohol.
"More flexibility is needed with the changing tourism demands to curb the impact [from alcohol control laws] on business operators and tourists," said Suthikorn Kingkaew, an assistant professor at Thammasat University's Research & Consultancy Institute.
"No more prohibitions of alcohol sales on important religious holidays at hotels. The total ban on alcohol adverts should be replaced by ads with a health warning," he said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... w-overhaul
An instructor at Thammasat University has joined a chorus of voices espousing measures to promote alcohol consumption, including extending the hours of retail sales.
According to one pro-alcohol academic, the government should amend the laws to allow longer alcohol-selling hours for tourists, lift the total ban on alcohol advertisements, reduce the import tariffs on alcoholic beverages, adjust the excise tax structure and offer wider support to small- and medium-sized enterprises that produce or sell alcohol.
"More flexibility is needed with the changing tourism demands to curb the impact [from alcohol control laws] on business operators and tourists," said Suthikorn Kingkaew, an assistant professor at Thammasat University's Research & Consultancy Institute.
"No more prohibitions of alcohol sales on important religious holidays at hotels. The total ban on alcohol adverts should be replaced by ads with a health warning," he said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... w-overhaul
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
Re: Another alcohol clampdown
That makes a lot of sense, so it'll never happen.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Leeds Utd 
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Re: Another alcohol clampdown
New booze control bill nearly ready
The chairman of the special committee scrutinising new alcohol control legislation, Wisarn Techathirawat, said the draft of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill was about 80% complete and would be submitted to parliament in mid-December.
During Monday's national academic conference on alcohol, Mr Wisarn said parliament had approved five Alcohol Beverage Control Bill drafts submitted by the cabinet, the Pheu Thai Party, a People's Party MP, an alcohol prevention and mitigation network representative, and a food sciences academic.
All five drafts were different in detail, Mr Wisarn noted, adding that the 42-member panel has spent more than eight months carefully reviewing and integrating them into a unified version. The process is currently 70–80% complete.
One key detail involves decentralising power to provincial alcohol control committees, allowing them more authority to designate zoning areas and set specific regulations.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... arly-ready
The Alcohol Control Committee chaired by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin met on Monday to discuss whether to ban the sale of alcohol for inter-provincial train passengers except on chartered train carriage. They also discussed whether to allow hotel guests to be able to drink alcohol inside their room 24/7 , although hotels won't be allowed to sell round the clock. The committee is likely to approve these proposals but legal amendments will first be required.
Source: Khaosod
So hotel minibars should have a timelock on them? Or will hotel staff and 'beer Gestapo' be checking guest's rooms for compliance? Only in Thailand, enjoy your holiday!
The chairman of the special committee scrutinising new alcohol control legislation, Wisarn Techathirawat, said the draft of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill was about 80% complete and would be submitted to parliament in mid-December.
During Monday's national academic conference on alcohol, Mr Wisarn said parliament had approved five Alcohol Beverage Control Bill drafts submitted by the cabinet, the Pheu Thai Party, a People's Party MP, an alcohol prevention and mitigation network representative, and a food sciences academic.
All five drafts were different in detail, Mr Wisarn noted, adding that the 42-member panel has spent more than eight months carefully reviewing and integrating them into a unified version. The process is currently 70–80% complete.
One key detail involves decentralising power to provincial alcohol control committees, allowing them more authority to designate zoning areas and set specific regulations.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... arly-ready
The Alcohol Control Committee chaired by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin met on Monday to discuss whether to ban the sale of alcohol for inter-provincial train passengers except on chartered train carriage. They also discussed whether to allow hotel guests to be able to drink alcohol inside their room 24/7 , although hotels won't be allowed to sell round the clock. The committee is likely to approve these proposals but legal amendments will first be required.
Source: Khaosod
So hotel minibars should have a timelock on them? Or will hotel staff and 'beer Gestapo' be checking guest's rooms for compliance? Only in Thailand, enjoy your holiday!
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
Re: Another alcohol clampdown
'Outdated' 2-5pm booze ban faces fresh opposition
Hotels and businesses that sell alcohol on Monday called on the government to lift the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages from 2pm to 5pm, saying the prohibition is outdated.
Such calls come while a bill amending the alcohol beverages control law is in line to next enter its second and third readings in the House of Representatives. The draft amendment has already been scrutinised and approved by the House's special committee vetting it.
The 2pm to 5pm alcohol sale ban was introduced in 1972 to prevent civil servants from drinking alcohol while working, said Kawee Sakawee, chairman of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (Tabba).
It's about time to change this more than five decade old regulation, he said.
"While Thai people might be familiar with the ban and have no problems with buying alcohol outside of the prohibited period, foreigners visiting Thailand might not be prepared to compromise on their relaxation time upon arriving here," Mr Kawee said.
The alcohol beverages industry has generated around 600 billion baht a year in income and pays about 150 billion baht in revenue to the government, he said.
Responding to concerns raised over the possibility of lifting the alcohol sale ban resulting in negative consequences, including a rise in drink-driving incidents, Mr Kawee said he fully supports strict law enforcement against driving under the influence, which should help foster responsible drinkers in Thai society.
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said the association continues to receive many complaints from hotel guests over the alcohol sales ban.
"The government's policy and campaigns for attracting more tourists into the country deserve credit, but outdated regulations which are no longer practical or suitable to the current social context, such as the 2-5pm alcohol sales ban, should be cancelled," he said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... opposition
I don't know of any other countries that have this mindless "unhappy hours" afternoon restriction, though I'm sure the puritans that run this country will keep it in place.
Hotels and businesses that sell alcohol on Monday called on the government to lift the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages from 2pm to 5pm, saying the prohibition is outdated.
Such calls come while a bill amending the alcohol beverages control law is in line to next enter its second and third readings in the House of Representatives. The draft amendment has already been scrutinised and approved by the House's special committee vetting it.
The 2pm to 5pm alcohol sale ban was introduced in 1972 to prevent civil servants from drinking alcohol while working, said Kawee Sakawee, chairman of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (Tabba).
It's about time to change this more than five decade old regulation, he said.
"While Thai people might be familiar with the ban and have no problems with buying alcohol outside of the prohibited period, foreigners visiting Thailand might not be prepared to compromise on their relaxation time upon arriving here," Mr Kawee said.
The alcohol beverages industry has generated around 600 billion baht a year in income and pays about 150 billion baht in revenue to the government, he said.
Responding to concerns raised over the possibility of lifting the alcohol sale ban resulting in negative consequences, including a rise in drink-driving incidents, Mr Kawee said he fully supports strict law enforcement against driving under the influence, which should help foster responsible drinkers in Thai society.
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said the association continues to receive many complaints from hotel guests over the alcohol sales ban.
"The government's policy and campaigns for attracting more tourists into the country deserve credit, but outdated regulations which are no longer practical or suitable to the current social context, such as the 2-5pm alcohol sales ban, should be cancelled," he said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... opposition
I don't know of any other countries that have this mindless "unhappy hours" afternoon restriction, though I'm sure the puritans that run this country will keep it in place.
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
Re: Another alcohol clampdown
It was interesting this morning on the news to hear the reason why the ban was introduced in the first place - to stop Civil Servants drinking.
[Edit] Introduced in 1972.
[Edit] Introduced in 1972.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Leeds Utd
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Re: Another alcohol clampdown
Its a bit like closing all the tourist bars to stop the police shooting each other. 
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
Re: Another alcohol clampdown
sounds about right.Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Leeds Utd
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Re: Another alcohol clampdown
Thai PM orders review of 2-5pm alcohol sale ban
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a review of the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages from 2pm to 5pm following calls by business groups for eased regulations to support tourism.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said the prime minister ordered a review of the 53-year-old rule to make it consistent with the current situation.
Many businesses have called on the government to lift the ban as it is outdated. Their calls coincide with moves to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... l-sale-ban
Not gonna happen if it has to pass the military Senate which still controls this country.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a review of the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages from 2pm to 5pm following calls by business groups for eased regulations to support tourism.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said the prime minister ordered a review of the 53-year-old rule to make it consistent with the current situation.
Many businesses have called on the government to lift the ban as it is outdated. Their calls coincide with moves to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... l-sale-ban
Not gonna happen if it has to pass the military Senate which still controls this country.
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