Beer gardens under scrutiny

BANGKOK, Dec 24 (TNA) - The Department of Health warns beer garden operators that failure to comply with rules and regulations will result in maximum fines of 50,000 Baht and/or 6 month jail terms. As the New Year holidays approaches more and more beer garden are cropping up in the country. Booths dispensing food and draft beer by various brands to the accompaniment of live music bands are being seen in many venues. Dr. Danai Thiwanda, the deputy director of the Department of Health attached to the Ministry of Public Health, stated that these beer gardens fall under the purview of Ministry of Public Health who are tasked with enforcing the 1992 Public Health Act in relation to such entertainment venues. Operators are required to register their businesses with local administrative bodies and must strictly comply with specified rules and regulations. One such rule is noise levels that must not exceed preset decibels that could cause annoyance to local neighborhoods. Any operators who are found operating without valid permits will face fines not exceeding 50,000 Baht and/or 6 month imprisonment. (TNA)