Ban on roadside bars for New Year break may be deferred
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A newly-proposed restriction on the sale of alcoholic drinks on Bangkok footpaths cannot be imposed in time for the New Year due to delays in the bureaucratic process. However, the authorities have decided to enforce existing regulations on public order d
Dr Samarn Footrakool, a senior official who was behind the proposal, accused people “whose businesses will be affected” of trying to delay or distort information about the restriction campaign.
“So far, the efforts to delay the restriction have worked because a meeting to address the issue and secure an order from the Public Health Ministry to officially legitimise the ban has not been scheduled,” he added without elaborating.
He said some sources had told him that the new law could be delayed for a year.
Samarn added that while the new law, which is based on an order from the Prime Minister’s Office, has not taken effect, there was a need to enforce the existing laws.
The Highway Act bans sale and distribution of goods on and along the sides of public paths. Offenders risk maximum imprisonment of three months, a fine of up to Bt5,000, or both.
The City Cleanliness Act also prohibits the sale of goods on roads and footpaths. Those who fail to abide by the law may be fined up to Bt2,000. The Land Transport Act has a similar ban and the offender risks a maximum fine of Bt500.
