The alcohol industry is requesting PM to lift the national ban

The alcohol industry in Thailand is banding together to request PM Prayut Chan-o-cha to cancel the ban on alcohol purchases, imposed as part of the general state of emergency to avoid Covid-19 spreading. Alcohol-industry groups headed by the Thai Fruit Wine Association and the Local Spirit Manufacturer Association, the Thailand Bartender Association, and the Thai Alcohol Association have put their case to PM.

While there was no nationwide prohibition, all 76 provinces of Thailand, including Bangkok, have banned the selling of alcohol until this Thursday, the original date for the expiry of the Emergency Decree. The numerous organizations requested the government not to continue the ban past that date, and to allow the selling of alcoholic drinks through takeaway and delivery services.

They have urged the government to alleviate their tax burden and help control ruined liquor damage as all restaurants, clubs, and bars remain shuttered. So far this year the Excise Department has earned 132 billion baht in alcohol tax, including 70 billion from beer and 62 billion from liquor.

The groups also want the government to end the wholesale alcohol trade ban, which they claim is prohibiting manufacturers and dealers from exporting goods to stores, where supplies can be processed safely under climate-controlled conditions.

And they urged officials to warn them in advance before issuing possible alcohol-related regulations, arguing that, in many situations, the local alcohol prohibitions were declared by provincial governors the night before or only the day they were operational.