Alcohol bill on the rocks: New legislation nearly ready to pour

Wisarn Techathirawat, chairperson of the special committee overseeing the new Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill, announced that the legislation is nearing completion. Aiming for submission to Parliament by mid-December, the draft is approximately 80% finished.

At a national academic conference on alcohol, Wisarn revealed that Parliament had given the green light to five Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill drafts, contributed by the Cabinet, the Pheu Thai Party, a People’s Party MP, an alcohol prevention network representative, and a food sciences academic. Each draft presents unique elements, prompting the 42-member panel to spend over eight months harmonising them into a single, cohesive version. As of now, the integration is 70 to 80% complete.

A significant aspect of the proposed legislation involves decentralising authority to provincial alcohol control committees. This move is intended to grant local entities more power to establish zoning areas and implement specific regulations.

Wisarn anticipates the drafted bill to be included in the House agenda by December 11, ensuring its readiness for the new parliamentary session starting December 13. He is optimistic about the bill receiving priority consideration. Meanwhile, the Excise Tax Bill remains under review in Parliament, said Wisarn.

“We have thoroughly considered all perspectives and sought to understand all sides, including advocacy groups, business operators, government agencies, children and youth councils, and victims of drink driving incidents.

“One positive step is that youth council representatives will be included in provincial and Bangkok committees, along with provincial administrative organisation (PAO) chairpersons. This will ensure broader participation in decisions about zoning and regulatory limits.”

Wisarn also voiced concerns about the increasing number of drinkers in Thailand, especially among women, recognising the societal and public health challenges posed by alcohol consumption. Consequently, the bill aims to enforce stringent controls on sales promotions.

Efforts will be made to foster mutual understanding among opposition and government whips to facilitate the bill’s passage, with enactment targeted for January.

For issues impacting the broader population, discussions will involve all political parties, particularly engaging opposition and government whips. Wisarn emphasised that promoting excessive alcohol consumption is unacceptable, stressing the need for a balanced approach that benefits society by reducing alcohol-related harms, such as health risks and traffic accidents.

The proposed bill promises beneficial reforms, including tougher penalties for selling alcohol to minors or intoxicated individuals, decentralisation of authority to provincial committees, and increased accountability for sellers, reported Bangkok Post.