A major Thai brewer yesterday blasted a proposed ban on alcohol sales near schools.
Thai Asia Pacific Brewery, maker of Heineken, Tiger and Cheers, argued that existing laws obviate the need for a 300-meter sales ban, which would be ineffective and only damage businesses.
In a statement yesterday, the brewer said underaged students will still be able to find other places to purchase alcohol, and the ban would do nothing to solve the real problem – poor enforcement of existing law barring sales to those under 20.
The company, a subsidiary of Thai Life Insurance Co., said ultimately the ban would only hurt legitimate consumers and small businesses.
Health officials have promoted the ban as a way to address the social ills associated with underage drinking, particularly interschool violence that frequently sees students killed.
Under the proposed ban, selling alcohol saleswithin 300 meters of school campuses – hotels and entertainment zones are exempt – would be punishable by up to a THB10,000 fine and six months in jail.
The brewer believes stricter enforcement of existing age limits and stronger punishment for sellers would better address the problem.
Photo: viZZZual.com
