Thailand-
The Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (TABBA) became the latest association to speak out against recent government policies around the control of the Covid-19 Coronavirus in Thailand, claiming that alcohol-related restrictions and closures of establishments could cost Thailand 9 billion and directly impact over a million people’s lives who rely on the industry.
Thanakorn Kuptajit, secretary-general of TABBA, made the remarks earlier this week as he spoke out against the closure of nightlife, bars, pubs, karaoke and the ban on alcohol consumption at restaurants in many provinces in Thailand due to what the government called controls and measures to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 Coronavirus.
Thanakorn said the Association believed that the measures were too strict and would hurt many small businesses and Thai people who were already struggling for the past year due to lack of tourism.
Thanakorn also said that depending on how long the restrictions and measures last the industry could see the total market value of the alcoholic beverage industry dip from an estimated 370 billion to as low as 300 billion baht.
Thanakorn suggested that if the ban on drinking alcohol at restaurants could not be lifted or if entertainment venues needed to stay closed that the government should consider a temporary relief on a law passed December 7th, 2020, that banned online sales of alcohol in Thailand.
Thanakorn said the industry and small business owners should have the opportunity to provide takeaway service and that they were ready to comply with best practices like checking identification and ensuring people purchasing were of legal age.
The government has not responded to TABBA’s concerns at this time.
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