"Liquor ad" crackdown must be fair

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
"Liquor ad" crackdown must be fair
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Tough measures also call for a just enforcement

A restaurant owner was recently fined for having some "illegal" photos of alcoholic drinks on the menu. It was an oversight on his part, but the legal action just confirms how awkward law enforcement is in Thailand, and probably in many other countries, regarding cigarettes and liquor. To begin with, he's not fined for selling the drinks, but for advertising them. That's really strange, if we really think about it.

It has been the way things are for quite some time. People can produce and sell cigarettes and liquor but they are not allowed to advertise them. The logic is a compromise between the two big and powerful industries and health policies of the state. Throw in the issue of "human rights" and it gets even more complicated. Smokers have had to bear with scary photos and warnings on the cigarette packs, which make all of us wonder why cigarettes are not banned for good if they are that bad. Feel-good commercials, promoting friendship, caring and social responsibility, are now a big part of the liquor industry, with quickly-shown warnings that alcohol could practically ruin all that the commercials seek to the promote.

So, is liquor good at promoting friendship and socialising or is it a big threat to relationship and the human ability to socialise? It has to be one way or the other. Some may argue that an appropriate amount of liquor consumption can be a "social lubricant" but the truth remains that for every "responsible" drinker there can be a few more who find it hard to "hold it" once the first glass is emptied.

The crackdown on the menu photos has drawn more questions than it answers. As a person posted on a popular web-board, drinkers won't care if there are photos in the menu because they will order their beer, wine, or whisky anyway, whereas non-drinkers can't be tempted by pictures in the menu and they will always have a glass of water no matter what. Another person asks what's wrong with a restaurant putting photos in the menu to "inform" - not "advertise" - the customers about what it sells. This second post, however, can be argued against, as writing down names and prices (probably in other languages as well) would be enough to "inform" the customers.

A resounding question has to do with how such a tough action against alcoholic advertising can be non-selective and fair. Many people take one look at Thai law enforcement and the justice system and conclude that there is no conceivable way to enforce such a law in a just manner. And if photos in the menu can lead to fines of hundreds of thousands of baht or more, will it encourage more bribery and corruption? In other words, some laws may be good on paper, but whether they will become truly noble, enforcement will be the key.

Thailand is far from being the most drunken nation, and its anti-smoking activities are often lauded. We have had some much-deplored legal measures to thank for that. However, with the country being a major tourist destination, some tough laws are bound to be abused or criticised for unfair enforcement. The authorities have drawn praise from some corners regarding the menu photos, but the criticism is based on true experiences and observation. It's up to the authorities to turn criticism into acceptance, and there is only one way for tough laws or measures to be generally accepted.

They must be applied against everybody without any exception, that is.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Liquor-ad-crackdown-must-be-fair-30258697.html

-- The Nation 2015-04-25

[canuckamuck]

It is simply retarded to make it illegal for a seller to show his legal product to the customer.

Everyone knows it.

Edited April 24, 2015 by canuckamuck

[alant]

It is simply retarded to make it illegal for a seller to show his legal product to the customer.

Everyone knows it.

It would appear everyone does not...

[Manbing]

Whats wrong with writing a name on a menu, a newish concept that seems to be catching on. Instead of using pictures to explain things, we learn to use symbols which have equally effective semantic value

Singha Beer

Chang Beer

Like that.

Do you need to see a picture of a bottle to understand what is being offered?

What about a short description after the name,

Singha Beer, Brown bottle, white label with a unique Thai style golden lion on it .

For sometime now the legal age of drinking and adult literacy have enjoyed an interesting and somewhat codependent relationship.

People requiring pictures of alcoholic beverages to make their order are frequently disappointed by the lack of alcohol on offer in nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

I think even canukamuck could understand the logic in this idea?

[ChrisY1]

It is simply retarded to make it illegal for a seller to show his legal product to the customer.

Everyone knows it.

There's no advertising of smoking allowed in Australia and other countries......but they can be sold....

[NongKhaiKid]

I can't speak for the whole of Thailand but in parts of the North East the whole issue is complete nonsense.

Bars, restaurants, especially near schools, cannot advertise by using bunting, pictures, bar towels, bar mats etc that have the names of alcohol on them in case children see but many of the premises are open so anyone passing can easily see alcohol being consumed, bottles on the tables etc.

What's worse seeing a picture of a glass of beer or seeing someone actually drinking ? Of course there are no alcohol ads on television and children are unlikely to see anyone in their own family drinking far less to excess.

[canuckamuck]

Whats wrong with writing a name on a menu, a newish concept that seems to be catching on. Instead of using pictures to explain things, we learn to use symbols which have equally effective semantic value

Singha Beer

Chang Beer

Like that.

Do you need to see a picture of a bottle to understand what is being offered?

What about a short description after the name,

Singha Beer, Brown bottle, white label with a unique Thai style golden lion on it .

For sometime now the legal age of drinking and adult literacy have enjoyed an interesting and somewhat codependent relationship.

People requiring pictures of alcoholic beverages to make their order are frequently disappointed by the lack of alcohol on offer in nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

I think even canukamuck could understand the logic in this idea?

Unless you come from a non Thai and non English speaking country and you want to have that beer you had last night but do not know what to call it.

Edited April 25, 2015 by canuckamuck

[Manbing]

Whats wrong with writing a name on a menu, a newish concept that seems to be catching on. Instead of using pictures to explain things, we learn to use symbols which have equally effective semantic value

Singha Beer

Chang Beer

Like that.

Do you need to see a picture of a bottle to understand what is being offered?

What about a short description after the name,

Singha Beer, Brown bottle, white label with a unique Thai style golden lion on it .

For sometime now the legal age of drinking and adult literacy have enjoyed an interesting and somewhat codependent relationship.

People requiring pictures of alcoholic beverages to make their order are frequently disappointed by the lack of alcohol on offer in nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

I think even canukamuck could understand the logic in this idea?

Unless you come from a non Thai and non English speaking country and you would to have that beer you had last night but do not know what to call it.

What about using your finger to point at the bottle in the fridge?

[canuckamuck]

It is simply retarded to make it illegal for a seller to show his legal product to the customer.

Everyone knows it.

There's no advertising of smoking allowed in Australia and other countries......but they can be sold....

Yes and the hypocrisy is easily perceived. Particularly as the government takes the largest share of the profits from a product that has no health benefits and when used properly will kill you.

Alcohol on the other hand is only destructive when it is misused.

Alcohol is plainly visible to the public on store shelves but it is illegal to have a picture of it in a glass = retarded!

[canuckamuck]

Whats wrong with writing a name on a menu, a newish concept that seems to be catching on. Instead of using pictures to explain things, we learn to use symbols which have equally effective semantic value

Singha Beer

Chang Beer

Like that.

Do you need to see a picture of a bottle to understand what is being offered?

What about a short description after the name,

Singha Beer, Brown bottle, white label with a unique Thai style golden lion on it .

For sometime now the legal age of drinking and adult literacy have enjoyed an interesting and somewhat codependent relationship.

People requiring pictures of alcoholic beverages to make their order are frequently disappointed by the lack of alcohol on offer in nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

I think even canukamuck could understand the logic in this idea?

Unless you come from a non Thai and non English speaking country and you would to have that beer you had last night but do not know what to call it.

What about using your finger to point at the bottle in the fridge?

From your table in the far corner?

[Bangkok Barry]

"And if photos in the menu can lead to fines of hundreds of thousands of baht or more, will it encourage more bribery and corruption?" BINGO! And there you have the reason for such a ridiculous law. Potential as a money earner. At the same time, all laws restricting cigarettes are the very pinnacle of hypocrisy, in every country in the world that has them. If the product is life-threatening, then simply ban the sale. But of course no-one does because of the tax money to be earned from the sales.

[Manbing]

Whats wrong with writing a name on a menu, a newish concept that seems to be catching on. Instead of using pictures to explain things, we learn to use symbols which have equally effective semantic value

Singha Beer

Chang Beer

Like that.

Do you need to see a picture of a bottle to understand what is being offered?

What about a short description after the name,

Singha Beer, Brown bottle, white label with a unique Thai style golden lion on it .

For sometime now the legal age of drinking and adult literacy have enjoyed an interesting and somewhat codependent relationship.

People requiring pictures of alcoholic beverages to make their order are frequently disappointed by the lack of alcohol on offer in nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

I think even canukamuck could understand the logic in this idea?

Unless you come from a non Thai and non English speaking country and you would to have that beer you had last night but do not know what to call it.

What about using your finger to point at the bottle in the fridge?

From your table in the far corner?

If you can't speak or read Thai or English, then yes, your going to have to get off your fat arse, waddle across the vast expanse of the dining area, (take supplies and establish a base camp if you need to)

Find a crane, pay a cooli, or find some other way manage the monumental effort of lifting up you arm and extending a digit to indicate your hearts desire.

I want you to guess which digit I am thinking of right now.

[canuckamuck]

What about using your finger to point at the bottle in the fridge?

From your table in the far corner?

If you can't speak or read Thai or English, then yes, your going to have to get off your fat arse, waddle across the vast expanse of the dining area, (take supplies and establish a base camp if you need to)

Find a crane, pay a cooli, or find some other way manage the monumental effort of lifting up you arm and extending a digit to indicate your hearts desire.

I want you to guess which digit I am thinking of right now.

Just because something is possible it doesn't make it sensible. If you can see the alcohol on location why can't you have a picture in the menu? Is there something inherently evil about a photo of the same beer that you can see all the people around you drinking? Isn't the sight of other people enjoying alcohol around you more of an enticement to drink than seeing a plain glass of beer on the menu? Perhaps your next suggestion would be to blindfold the customers so they can't see any alcohol at all. I think the wait staff should also be required to wear blindfolds when they serve it, lest they accidentally see some beer.

[Lupatria]

What's the need for "Liquor ads" anyway if one third of the population is already constantly driving on the streets under the influence?

[NongKhaiKid]

What about using your finger to point at the bottle in the fridge?

From your table in the far corner?

If you can't speak or read Thai or English, then yes, your going to have to get off your fat arse, waddle across the vast expanse of the dining area, (take supplies and establish a base camp if you need to)

Find a crane, pay a cooli, or find some other way manage the monumental effort of lifting up you arm and extending a digit to indicate your hearts desire.

I want you to guess which digit I am thinking of right now.

Just because something is possible it doesn't make it sensible. If you can see the alcohol on location why can't you have a picture in the menu? Is there something inherently evil about a photo of the same beer that you can see all the people around you drinking? Isn't the sight of other people enjoying alcohol around you more of an enticement to drink than seeing a plain glass of beer on the menu? Perhaps your next suggestion would be to blindfold the customers so they can't see any alcohol at all. I think the wait staff should also be required to wear blindfolds when they serve it, lest they accidentally see some beer.

You are dealing with one of TV's in house trolls who have no desire to debate only in trying to be smart, and failing miserably.

[crickets]

I know about 10 places that have the picture on the menu. I have also seen scantly dressed ladies in beer dresses still advertising beer which is supposed to be illegal.

[bcrglobal]

I know about 10 places that have the picture on the menu. I have also seen scantly dressed ladies in beer dresses still advertising beer which is supposed to be illegal.

Scandalous! You should tell those ladies to take the beer dresses off IMMEDIATELY. (And then sit back with a beer and enjoy the show)

[Praematura]

If they put 10% of this effort into enforcing drunk driving laws...

[kurce]

Let's see.... Children can be exposed to the array of candy colored deliciously enticing bottles of alco-pop on display at local convenience stores and supermarkets.

But heaven forbid that upon entering a licensed venue you be visually exposed to an alcoholic beverage whilst perusing a menu.

If I enter a licensed venue, be it a restaurant, bar or club. I expect that I will be exposed to alcohol and the promotion of said product. Be it in the form of ashtrays, beermats, glasses, posters, signs, promo girls, alcohol on display or pictures on the menu. If I want a drink I will buy a drink, the promotional material in whatever format aids me in making an informed choice.

I can just imagine walking into Honda to browse there selection of scooters and upon asking for a glossy brochure full of pictures to take home I am informed by the salesman that there are no pictures in the brochure as that may entice you to purchase something that you came here to purchase, but we can show you the real thing as that may not entice you.

Target the accessibility of alcohol to kids before targeting licensed venues for promoting the products they sell.

[wabothai]

It is beyond me why a 3rd world country, heavily dependant on tourism, makes these laws any way. Even more so and utterly ridiculous how they have been forced upon a restaurant showing beerbottles on the menu.

Who are these .....trying to please?

[Rogergreybeard]

Not enough doe in the paper bag,why one and not everyone, another nail in the coffin for los,screw you farangs why you come Here??

[Strangebrew]

Well you do it Chinese style piss in a glass show waitress I sure she will figure 1 you need beer or where is toilet.

[IAMHERE]

One large well publicized fine will shake millions from the tea trees all over Thailand.

[berybert]

From your table in the far corner?

If you can't speak or read Thai or English, then yes, your going to have to get off your fat arse, waddle across the vast expanse of the dining area, (take supplies and establish a base camp if you need to)

Find a crane, pay a cooli, or find some other way manage the monumental effort of lifting up you arm and extending a digit to indicate your hearts desire.

I want you to guess which digit I am thinking of right now.

If you cant show the bottle on the menu why would you be allowed to show it in the fridge ?

[nisakiman]

All this banning of advertising and banning of displays is just mindless posturing on the part of the puritans in 'Public Health' in an attempt to justify their fat salaries.

None of it has any discernible health benefits; all it serves to do is to seriously inconvenience people and massage the egos of the lunatics who think up these barmy ideas. Thailand has become one of the foremost countries for adopting the idiocies perpetrated by the 'Public Health' zealots (Australia is another, closely followed by UK), although for the life of me I don't know why. A few decades ago, Thailand was a fairly pragmatic nation; now the fanatics hold sway.

There are so many more important problems to be addressed than pictures of beer in menus and stupid shutters over cigarette displays that one wonders who it is that is prioritising this garbage over real health issues that need money spending on them. They really need to clear all the wasters out of the peripheries of the health system (aka 'Public Health') and spend the money saved on something that will actually impact positively on people's lives.

[Gonsalviz]

It is beyond me why a 3rd world country, heavily dependant on tourism, makes these laws any way. Even more so and utterly ridiculous how they have been forced upon a restaurant showing beerbottles on the menu.

Who are these .....trying to please?

Foreign NGO's