Bars closed?

[forcebwithu]

Based on this article, bars in tourism zones will be able to serve alcohol on future Buddha holidays. Still uncertain is if retail shops can sell booze.

Alcohol sales easing awaits ministry nod

The committee on alcohol beverage control has acknowledged that the easing of alcohol bans on Buddhist holy days has yet to be extended to ordinary retail shops, pending clarification from the Ministry of Interior.

Dr Nipon Chinanonwait, director of the Office of Alcohol Control Committee under the Ministry of Public Health, said the committee has yet to receive a response from the Interior Ministry regarding the definition of "place of business", particularly regarding ordinary shops.

He said the committee's previous resolution allowed alcohol sales on five major Buddhist holy days, including Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha, as well as at the beginning and end of Buddhist Lent.

Since the middle of May, five types of locations can offer alcoholic beverages, namely international airport terminals serving outbound passengers, licensed entertainment venues such as restaurants and pubs, tourist venues in designated tourism zones, legally registered hotels, and venues hosting large national or international events approved by the Ministry of Public Health.

Additional venues will be officially permitted to sell alcohol on such days once the Interior Ministry provides its interpretation, he said.

"We are waiting for further guidance from the Ministry of Interior," Dr Nipon said. "However, progress is also being made on the new alcohol control bill, which is currently undergoing parliamentary deliberation and is expected to pass next month."
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