Chiang Mai bans booze to battle coronavirus

There’s likely to be a rush on for booze over the next few days in Chiang Mai. The northern province is banning alcohol sales for 10 days, from April 10 – 20 in its local battle with the Covid-19 coronavirus. Provincial governor Charoenrit Sanguansat issued the order yesterday.

He says the Chiang Mai Communicable Disease Committee has already issued emergency measures to deal with the outbreak in Chiang Mai, but the situation has not improved.

“To enhance measures to monitor, control, and prevent the spread of the virus by focusing on risks of infection and people’s needs, the Chiang Mai Communicable Disease Committee has ordered retail and wholesale stores to temporarily stop alcohol sales.”

He added that the announcement was made under the Communicable Diseases Act, and the national state of emergency declared last week

“Entrepreneurs who violate this order will be punished with not more than a year in prison or a fine not exceeding 100,000 baht, or both, under Section 52 of the Communicable Diseases Act, or they will face not more than 2 years in jail or a fine of up to 40,000 baht or both, under Section 18 of the Emergency Decree.”

“This order will be in effect from April 10 to 20.”

SOURCE: The Nation