Perception of and Compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 by Alcohol Sellers

Abstract

Introduction: The alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E.2551 is the first and the only act in Thailand which comprehensively included content about alcohol sales control. Objectives: To identify knowledge of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act BE2551 of alcohol sellers in Khunhan District, Si Sa Ket Province, their perceptions of the strictness of its enforcement, and their compliance with the Act. Methods: Simple random sampling technique was employed to recruit 250 sellers. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: It was found that all respondents knew that the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 was already in effect. However, approximately 40% of the respondents (n=110) did not know that it is prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages on four major Buddhist religious days, 30% (n=81) did not know that it is prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages to persons who were too drunk to control themselves and 25% (n=62) did not know that it is prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages to persons under 20 years old. A majority of the respondents perceived that the strictness of law enforcement was at a moderate level. Only 33 respondents reported that they had never violated the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551. The prevalence of self-reported compliance with the Act of 13%. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that it is imperative to educate alcohol sellers of the details of controls and penalties of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551. In addition, it is essential that officers must strictly enforce this Act.