Phuket Gazette 14th July:

Bars asked to observe alcohol ban

PHUKET: As a mark of respect for Asarnha Bucha and Buddhist Lent this Thursday and Friday, respectively, bars and other sellers of alcohol on the island are being asked to observe an alcohol ban on the two Buddhist holidays.

Businesses are asked not to serve alcohol from midnight on Wednesday night until midnight on Friday night.

Kathu Police Superintendent Col Grissak Songmoonnak told the Gazette, "It is not illegal for bars to sell alcohol, but like other [police] superintendents around the island, I have received an official letter from the local District Chief asking the police to try to ensure that alcohol is not sold on both days."

Similarly, Chalong Police Superintendent Col Samarn Chainarong said, "I have received a letter from the District Chief asking me for co-operation from bars in my area to show respect on these important days for Buddhists."

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Hang on, so this means that the BIBs are religious police as well?

If it is not illegal to sell alcohol, then the police should not get involved. How many of the other, far too many, "bans" we have are not the result the law being enforced, but on the whim of some big wig? Does anybody know?

On another 'drinking' thread the other day, someone posted a comment to the effect that the local Police Chiefs did indeed have the power to impose drinking bans, impose early closing or even close entertainment establishments at their own discretion.

Frankly I wouldn't argue too much.

Yeah whats the news for Bkk about this?

...the police should not get involved...

You tell 'em. I won't.

There will be places still serving, but atmosphere will be shi*e!!!

I'm hugely looking forward to it; I actually love that atmosphere of sneaking around.

Bottoms up as usual.