BANGKOK, 19 June 2015 – The Ministry of Public Health has effectively banned the sales of alcohol within 300 meters of universities, following complaints from the public and anti-alcohol lobbies.
The ministry revealed the ban is in place for all areas near university campus, with the exception of hotels and government-approved zones such as RCA and New Phetchaburi Road.
The regulation will be forwarded for government approval. Once approved, it will be enforced with jail sentences and/or hefty fines.
All universities have been instructed to mark areas near its campus as alcohol-free zones. According to research by the Centre for Alcohol Studies, every 100 meters of the alcohol ban can reduce consumption by 20 percent.
Currently, alcohol sales near universities in Bangkok remain prevalent, with 2,869 retailers operating within a 500-meter radius of 15 universities.
