Booze ban would create 125,000 job losses
More than 125,000 jobs will be lost immediately if plans to ban alcohol sales within 300 metres of educational establishments in Bangkok are enforced, a business group has warned.
A business group has argued that enforcing “dry zones” in Bangkok would result in 125,000 job losses
The group, which represents 3,400 businesses nationwide, is made up of members from the Thai Retailers Association, Thai Hotel Association, Thai Food Traders Association, Khaosan Business Association, Thai Wine Association and Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association.
On 18 June, the government’s Alcohol Control Committee (ACC) approved a proposal by the PM’s Office to ban alcohol sales within 300 metres of universities and vocational colleges.
It came about after studies suggested the number or retailers near schools have increased by 72% in the last five years.
However, the group argues that the proposed legislation “does not appear to take into account its impact on business, employment, tourism and the economy”, reported the Bangkok Post.
“Our initial estimates indicate that 125,000 jobs will be lost immediately upon the enactment of this declaration,” the business group said in a statement. “Its enforcement could lead to the closure of entertainment and service venues, while the cessation of alcoholic beverage sales – or forced relocation – among shopping malls and restaurants would have activities, eventually leading up to job cuts that would affect not only the departing employees but also their families.”
There are currently 2,869 retailers operating within a 500-metre radius of 15 universities, according to the Centre for Alcohol Studies.
Bangkok hopes alcohol-related social problems such as loud noise and violence will decline as a result.
But the group complained that the proposal “fails to directly address the root cause behind the issue of underage drinking”.
Public health minister Rajata Rajatanavin, who chairs the ACC, said the ban is only one of several measures needed to reduce student alcohol consumption levels.
“More work needs to be done to reduce the number of student drinkers,” he said.
