Ban on alcohol sales near universities must be strictly observed

BANGKOK, Oct 24 (TNA) -- The ban on selling alcoholic drinks near schools, colleges and universities has officially takes effect on Thursday and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has ordered the authorities to strictly enforce the order, according to a government spokesman. The spokesman said Gen Prayut has signed an order forbidding sales of alcoholic drinks near educational institutions on October 12 and the order has been enforced immediately after it was published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday. Concerned government authorities are ordered to strictly enforce the order for health and welfare of youths and people living near the existing establishments which sell alcoholic drinks, the spokesman said. The existing restaurants or bars are allowed to sell alcoholic drinks within the time allowed by the law and not sell them to those under 20 years old, otherwise their business licences could be revoked, the spokesman said. (TNA)