I’ve been asked today by a few folks what’s the deal with the stories circulating online regarding the proposed ban on alcohol sales within 300m of schools that looks likely to be passed into law and take effect sometime before the end of August that would see bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants in many areas of lower Sukhumvit, including Soi Cowboy, hit by the ban.

Well, first things first. the proposal was indeed signed by the PM but has yet to be published in the Royal Gazette. Only when it takes that step has it officially become law and then and only then will it come into effect 30 days later. Not all signed bills make it to the Royal Gazette, such as last years proposed banning and blacklisting of visitors who overstay their visa.

Next up on the fear mongering doing the rounds is all sales of booze within 300m of schools will be prohibited. The new law applies only to universities & technical colleges according to Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin, who also said that licensed hotels and bars already located near educational institutions will be allowed to continue selling alcohol and would be exempt from the ban, adding only new vendors would be prohibited.

That fits with clause 2, section 2 on the proposed amendment to the Alcohol Beverage Control Act that states those selling alcohol covered in the Royal Decree on “entertainment zones”, which also covers venues outside the three zones, are exempt from the new rules and regulations, confirming what the Public Health Minister had previously said.

Nutcases sharing all this misleading info really ought to do some research before spouting such bs but that doesn’t get them a traffic spike during what has been a few very quiet news weeks.

UPDATE: On Thursday 23rd July, a new law was passed under Section 44 of the interim charter that includes new rules & regulations on the sale of alcohol near both schools and universities, illegal street racing and illegally operated nightclubs. The original bill signed by the PM on Monday is now unlikely to be published in the Royal Gazette in light of this latest move. More details on this Section 44 bill are outlined in this article.