Most people ‘disagree with graphic booze labels’
The vast majority of Thais do not agree with the plan to require makers of alcoholic beverages to put a graphic label on each container to warn people of the dangers of excessive drinking.
According to a survey carried out by the Department of Disease Control on the plan, about 87% of 1,040 respondents surveyed said they disagreed with the plan. The respondents came from a variety of backgrounds, including scholars, entrepreneurs and business owners, the DDC said.
The results of the survey will now be presented to the subcommittee responsible for the graphic labels, which will then adapt the draft rules before presenting them to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee for further consideration.
To allay public concerns about the graphic labelling, Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director-general of the DDC, said the draft was a reaction to academic opinions calling for graphic warnings on alcohol containers, similar to those found on cigarette packs.
The rule would require graphic warnings to take up at least 50% of rectangular containers’ largest sides and 30% of cylindrical containers’ sides, as well as containers in other shapes.
The warnings would have four colours and nine variations. They must be clearly visible and accompanied by text warnings, such as “Alcoholic beverages can cause cancer”, “Drinking alcohol can cause heart disease”, “Drinking alcohol can cause sexual dysfunction”, or “Drinking alcohol can cause violence”.
If approved, the new rule will come into effect 180 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette.
The issue grabbed headlines after Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok supporting the liberalisation of liquor-making rules, posted a picture of mock-up bottles and cans featuring the new health warnings created by the Craft Beer Association on his Facebook on Monday.