Organic Laws Proposed by Govt. Will Impose Stringent Penalties

Once organic laws to a key anti-alcohol act come into effect in the near future, sale of alcohol to underage drinkers will be more strictly controlled and it will be mandatory to display warning signs on all bottles and cans.

The restriction will also bar people from drinking alcohol on government property as well as on public vehicles, while the existing law prohibiting the operation of entertainment venues within the schools or colleges will be enforced more strictly.

As proposed by a government committee regulating alcohol consumption, one of the four organic laws will require that local alcoholic drinks makers or importers carry a revised warning on containers of alcoholic drinks saying: "Not for sale to people under the age of 20. Violators will be subjected to a year in prison and a Bt20,000-fine."

Bottles carrying alcoholic drinks will have to be at least 250cc in size, while cans or other containers at least 300cc. Also messages that mislead buyers into thinking that "light" variations are less hazardous to health will be banned.

In addition, bottles of alcohol will also carry warning images much like the ones being printed on cigarette packets. The health hazards depicted will include liver disease, sexual |impotency, road accidents and |the impact on families of drinkers.

Separately, the much-awaited case on models featured in the controversial Leo Beer calendar ended prematurely yesterday, after the three out of 15 MPs attending the House committee hearing started a very heated argument.

Democrat MP Phichet Panwich-artful said the case should not be judged by a House panel in charge of finance, monetary and banking institutions and that it should be handed over to a panel on culture or public health services. This drew an angry reaction from the two participating panel members - Pheu Thai Party MP and panel chairman Surapong Wijakchaikul and fellow MP Chaiwat Sapruangthong.

Only three people showed up at the session, instead of a full quorum of 15 members. Instead the room was filled with photographers and MPs not related to the case, who had come to admire the six models featured in the nude calendar as well as former beauty queen Methinee Kingpayom, who had shown up in her role as manager.

After less than half an hour into the session, Suraphong announced it closed adding that he would forward the issue to Public Health Ministry as recommended by Phichet.

Before the session ended, Chutchai Wiratyosin, the marketing director of Boon Rawd Brewery, which produces Leo Beer and published the calendar, attacked Dr Smarn Footrakool, director of a Public Health Ministry panel regulating alcohol consumption. Chutchai said Boon Rawd was being treated unfairly compared to other beverage makers who also violated law. He added that Boon Rawd Brewery was in the process of lodging a civil lawsuit demanding compensation.

Reference: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/12/24/national/national_30119049.php