Beer gardens are against the law

Beer garden is against the alcoholic drinks control law because the venue amounts to advertisement of alcoholic drinks but only the Excise Department is authorized to close it down, said Dr Samarn Futrakul, director of the Office of Alcoholic Drinks Control Committee, on Wednesday.

Dr Samarn’s ruling that beer gardens which are popular during yearend’s festive season are against the law have caused confusion among beer manufacturers which usually set up beer gardens to attract customers during the festive season.

Dr Samarn said that usually movie stars, singers and wellknown entertainers were hired by beer producers to promote their beer brands at beer gardens.

In the past, he said that health officials could at best seize beers from beer gardens but were unable to close down the establishments as that is within the authority of the Excise Department.

Citing the law, Dr Samarn insisted that opening beer gardens amount to advertising alcoholic drinks which is prohibited.

Meanwhile, Mr Piti Bhirompakdi, advertising manager of Boonrawd Brewery said in his Facebook page that he did not agree with Dr Samarn’s interpretation of the law and planned to seek clarification from the Alcoholic Drinks Control Committee.

A meeting was scheduled on Novemger 10.

Thai PBS

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