Crackdown on alcohol sales violations in Phuket

PHUKET: Phuket health authorities are launching a fresh crackdown on violators of Thai alcohol sales regulations.

The 2008 Alcohol Control Act states that alcohol products cannot be sold at places of worship, health centers and hospitals, government offices, educational institutions, gas stations and public parks.

For our previous report, click here.

Director of the Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO) Dr Pongsawas Ratanasang said his office will now start to enforce the regulations more strictly.

Violators can be fined up to 10,000 baht and/or receive a jail sentence of up to six months.

The PPHO will also step up enforcement of regulations banning the sale of alcohol on religious holidays and the controversial time restrictions on alcohol sales.

Except for bulk purchases, alcohol products can only be sold between 11am and 2pm and between 5pm and midnight.

Violators of the time restriction regulations face fines of up to 4,000 baht and/or a maximum of two years in jail.

Those found selling alcohol to people under 20 years old or to people who are already drunk face fines of up to 20,000 baht and/or up to one year in jail.

[For the latest Phuket Gazette opinion piece on alcohol control regulations and their effect on the Phuket tourism industry click here.]

— Hasan Che-aware