The zoning of outlets selling alcohol around universities will begin on a pilot basis pending a ministerial announcement enforcing the change.
Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodee yesterday said the selection of areas for the project had been discussed with Thammasat University, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and a network of civic groups.
The pilot would show curbs on the sale of alcohol around universities would work, Mr Manit said.
The Prime Minister's Office has drafted an announcement under the Alcohol Control Act. The announcement is organic to the act and it is needed to enforce the zoning.
First, however, it would have to be backed by the national committee on alcohol consumption control chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart. No date for a meeting of the committee has been set.
No alcohol sales will be allowed within 500 metres of universities or other education outlets under the announcement.
However, shops such as convenience stores or entertainment venues selling alcohol may be exempt from the ban.
Exemptions will be decided by the education outlets and the provincial alcohol regulation committee.
Roadside vendors selling alcoholic smoothies will also come under the regulation.
The changes also introduce picture warnings on bottles containing alcohol,similar to those seen on cigarette packs.
The draft will specify the size of the images and health messages which must cover half the label.
They will tell of drinkers suffering from liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver and causing road accidents. They have to be posted on all bottles and packaging for alcohol, the Disease Control Department says.
The pilot project will be useful for testing the water before the announcement takes effect, Mr Manit said.
Another possible measure for the pilot zone is to reject any new applications for operating licences for alcohol shops close to education outlets.
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