Staying out 2:00am-4:00am? Guess what you may have to do when you leave the venue . . .

[Gaybutton]

I can see pros and cons to this idea. For me, I see more pros than cons . . .

The main con I see is what the bars can do about it if customers refuse to take the test and/or refuse to allow the venue to arrange transportation. I can't see how bars can be expected to force anyone who is refusing to comply, so what happens if any customers do refuse? I'm sure we all know there will be some customers who do just that. Some behave badly enough as it is while they're still sober.

How about this one - a customer is reluctant to let the venue arrange transportation, but he gives in and allows it. Then the driver, somewhere along the way, robs the customer. Does the customer now have a case in which he can sue the venue?

Think this one through, powers-that-be - thoroughly before imposing any rules.
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Breathalyser tests proposed for Thai nightlife venues

By Mitch Conner

November 13, 2023

The Thai Ministry of Public Health is set to propose a policy where nightclubs and bars wishing to extend their operating hours would be required to administer alcohol breathalyser tests to customers who may be too intoxicated to travel home safely. The proposal also includes the responsibility of these establishments to arrange transportation services for such patrons.

The breathalyser tests initiative is part of a broader plan by the ministry, led by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, to balance the government’s ambition to stimulate the economy through extended nightlife hours and the need to safeguard public health. This plan follows models used in some Western countries to guarantee the safety of patrons and the general public.

The extended operating hours are due to commence on December 15 in select zones within Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, and Phuket. In these zones, alcohol sales will be allowed until 4am. The proposal comes in the wake of public apprehensions about a potential increase in road accidents due to drunk driving.

Addressing these concerns, the 62 year old minister stated that the ministry would introduce measures to counteract the issue. The working group is expected to present its proposal to the government shortly.

Upon approval, the ministry will leverage its authority under the 2008 Alcoholic Beverages Control Act to enforce ministerial regulations. These regulations would mandate nightlife establishments to conduct alcohol breathalyser tests on seemingly intoxicated customers. Should the test reveal a blood alcohol content surpassing the legal limit of 0.05%, the establishments must prevent the customers from driving.

The minister further explained that current laws already prohibit the sale of alcohol to heavily inebriated individuals. The sale of alcohol to such people is penalised, as it is the ministry’s duty under the law to protect the health and safety of both drinkers and non-drinkers, reported Bangkok Post.

The ministry is also contemplating the encouragement of all nightlife venues within the designated zones to secure appropriate transportation services for their customers. This measure aims to prevent patrons from driving whilst under the influence. Details on potential penalties for non-compliant establishments have yet to be disclosed.

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/th ... ife-venues

[Jun]

The minister further explained that current laws already prohibit the sale of alcohol to heavily inebriated individuals.

A very reassuring safeguard. They clearly have every angle covered.

[Gaybutton]

A very reassuring safeguard.

"That's reassuring - coming from the Minister of Propaganda."
- George C. Scott (Col Franz Ritter), 'The Hindenburg'

[gerefan]

This plan follows models used in some Western countries to guarantee the safety of patrons and the general public.

They are showing their inexperience!

Which western country breathalysers you as you leave a bar and arranges for you to be taken home if you fail??

Well?

The standard advice where I live is to make your own arrangements to get home safely if you are out drinking.

Couldn’t organise a piss up in a brewery!

[Jun]

Prestending to test customers is nothing new.
We were supposed to be covid tested at bars a couple of years ago.
Obviously, in practice that didn't happen, although some bars did get as far as leaving completed covid tests lying around.

I suspect this one won't even get that far.

It's also pointless. Could you imagine PASSING a breathalyser test when leaving Double Shot at 4:00am ?

[Gaybutton]

Which western country breathalysers you as you leave a bar and arranges for you to be taken home if you fail??

And taken home by whom? At 4am I wouldn't be surprised if the taxi driver is more drunk than the customer. Who gives the breathalyser test to the taxi driver . . . ?

[Dodger]

By Mitch Conner

November 13, 2023

The Thai Ministry of Public Health is set to propose a policy where nightclubs and bars wishing to extend their operating hours would be required to administer alcohol breathalyser tests to customers who may be too intoxicated to travel home safely. The proposal also includes the responsibility of these establishments to arrange transportation services for such patrons.

This has to rank as one of the most hare-brained ideas yet (and we've seen them all)...almost on par with the last brilliant proposal to start letting the Chinese act as police officers. Beyond laughable...where will it end?

Ironically it was the very same Ministry (Thai Ministry of Public Health) that recently approved the legalization of marijuana.

OK...let's see if I have this right: You can now smoke dope and stay out at the bars until 4:00 AM...but the bar owners will have to arrange transportation for every single customer in the province that's catching a buzz!!!!!!!!!! Just too funny...555555...

[Gaybutton]

where will it end?

It, of course, never will. But for me it's all part of the show - good for a laugh (or several laughs) plus a guffaw or two. It also always provides more additions to my "I Don't Get It" list.

Without all the nonsense it just wouldn't be Thailand.

[Gaybutton]

Gonna be in the bars during the extended 2am-4am hours? Buy your own breathalyser . . .

Yes, folks - another genius idea.
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Sobering reminder: Entertainment venues to open until 4am, but no alcohol sale to drunks

by Petch Petpailin

November 15, 2023

The Thailand Health Minister yesterday stressed that entertainment venues must not serve alcohol to customers who are already drunk, even if establishments are allowed to stay open until 4am. Partygoers have been advised to carry breathalysers.

Public Health Minister Cholnan Sikaew said that the policy allowing nightclubs to stay open until 4am had not yet been implemented. Cholnan made known that the policy would not be implemented at entertainment venues nationwide, only in certain areas designated by the government.

Cholnan said that he was not against the idea but that other measures needed to be taken to ensure that the extended closing time would not affect the health of residents.

Cholnan explained that the Ministry of Health was planning to propose several measures related to the extended closing time. For example, partygoers will have to undergo alcohol tests before leaving, entertainment venues will have to prepare public transport for drunks, and venues will not be allowed to sell alcohol to customers who are already drunk.

Cholanarn stressed that not selling alcohol to drunks was not new. There is a law that mentions it. The law in question is Section 40 of the Alcohol Control Act: selling alcohol to an intoxicated person is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. However, this law has not been seriously applied.

Cholnan said every entertainment venue must have alcohol breathalysers for its customers, and every partygoer would be encouraged to carry their breathalyser. The Ministry of Health would seek easy-to-use breathalysers to be made available to venues and the public.

Two beers

Under the current law, people with a blood alcohol level of more than 50 milligrams per cent (two beers) are considered drunk. Cholanan felt that the measures needed to be stricter. Any driver should not be allowed to drive, no matter how much alcohol they have consumed.

The president of the Craft Beer Association of Thailand, Archirawat Wannasisawat, told Than Settakij in an interview that he did not see how the extended closing time would help boost businesses and the economy because of the limited time for alcohol sales.

Business owners can only sell alcohol between 11am and 2pm and 5pm and 12am, even if their premises were open until 4am.

Archirawat added that the policy would only be implemented in tourist areas, which would not make much difference and would cause confusion, especially for foreigners.

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/so ... -to-drunks

[gerefan]

venues will not be allowed to sell alcohol to customers who are already drunk.

Under the current law, people with a blood alcohol level of more than 50 milligrams per cent (two beers) are considered drunk.

They are saying that venues cannot sell booze to people who are considered drunk…in their words those who have already had 2 beers. No more for you!

So where are we?!

TiT!!