Online booze sales to come to an end

ALCOHOL: Online sales of liquor and other alcoholic drinks will be prohibited, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said yesterday.

The national committee on alcohol beverage policy which met yesterday decided on the step, and the matter will now go to the cabinet for a decision. It is likely to take effect 90 days after that, he said.

“Selling online allows underage customers to [illegally] order alcohol. Even on days when alcohol sales are banned, anyone can order online and it doesn’t matter where they order — temples, schools, dormitories. The government also loses income from tax collection because it’s difficult to check the sales,” Mr Sathit said.