Expected to go to House in December
PUBLISHED: 19 Nov 2024 at 05: 48
Wisarn Techathirawat, the head of the special committee looking into new alcohol control legislation, stated that parliament did receive the draft version of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill in mid-December.
During Monday’s regional scientific meeting on drinking, Mr Wisarn said legislature had approved five Alcohol Beverage Control Bill drafts submitted by the government, the Pheu Thai Party, a People’s Party MP, an alcohol prevention and mitigation network representative, and a food sciences educational.
Mr. Wisarn noted that the 42-member section has spent more than eight times examining each draft thoroughly before assembling it into a single version. Each of the five documents had its own unique differences. The process is currently 70–80 % complete.
Decentralizing power to provincial liquor control committees will give them more authority to design zoning areas and establish certain rules, according to one key point.
In period for the upcoming political session’s beginning on December 13, Mr. Wisarn said the draft costs is anticipated to be included in the House draft by December 11.
He expected the costs to obtain focus attention.
He claimed that congress is currently reviewing the Excise Tax Bill.
” We have carefully considered all opinions and sought to understand all factors, including advocacy groups, company operators, government organizations, children and youth governments and victims of drunken driving occurrences”, Mr Wisarn said.
” Provincial and Bangkok committees will include youth council representatives, along with provincial administrative organization ( PAO ) chairpersons,” adds one positive step. This will encourage greater participation in planning and regulatory restrictions decisions.
Additionally, Mr. Wisarn acknowledged the political and public health effects of alcohol consumption and expressed worry about the rising number of women drinking in Thailand.
As a result, the act emphasises tight control of sales promotions. To ensure the law is passed, there will be attempts to foster inter-party knowledge among the opposition and state whips, with legislation expected by January.
Debate may be held with all political parties, particularly the criticism and government whip, regarding issues that most influence people.
He argued that encouraging excessive alcohol consumption was unacceptable. Finding a compromise that benefits world, such as reducing health risks and traffic accidents, should be the top priority.
The act proposes good changes, he argued.
It includes more stringent penalties for selling alcohol to underage or drunk people, decentralizing municipal commissions, and increased accountability for sellers.