Bangkok to enforce ‘dry zones’ in student areas

Bangkok plans to ban the sale of alcohol within 300 metres of universities and vocational colleges following a campaign by anti-alcohol activists.

The new legislation would outlaw sales within 300 metres universities and colleges

Activists pushed for “dry zones” to be implemented within 500 metres of higher-education institutions, but The Alcohol Control Committee, chaired by public health minister Rajata Rajatanavin, agreed to outlaw sales within 300 metres of the sites.

The committee’s resolution will be forwarded for final approval by the National Alcohol Police Committee at the beginning of July, and if approved, may be implemented as soon as one month afterwards.

Reportedly, Mr Rajata said the announcement would be “only one measure to reduce the accessibility of alcohol” among university students, with “other measures needed to discourage drinking”.

Presently there are 2,869 retailers operating within a 500-metre radius of 15 universities – mainly in the Bangkok metropolitan area – according to the Centre for Alcohol Studies.