The Restaurant Association has expressed opposition to the new alcohol law, which mandates restaurant operators to share liability for issues caused by intoxicated patrons.
The updated Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2025 bans the sale of alcohol to individuals under 20 and anyone already intoxicated. The law also requires alcohol sellers to verify a customer’s age using valid identification, such as a national ID card, whenever age doubt arises.
Additionally, alcohol vendors are advised to evaluate a customer’s level of intoxication only when necessary. Those who violate the regulations or whose actions as drunk patrons result in harm must face legal liability and compensate the affected parties.
Chanon Koetcharoen, president of the Restaurant Association, described the law as a significant challenge for restaurants. If an incident occurs and an intoxicated person claims to have been served at a specific restaurant, that establishment must prove in court that it did not serve alcohol to the individual while they were already drunk.
The situation becomes even more complicated if the customer has consumed alcohol at multiple locations. Mr. Chanon noted that, in cases where a customer appears sober upon entering but later becomes intoxicated and causes harm, it is unclear whether the restaurant would be held responsible, especially if the signs of intoxication were not evident during service.
The law also raises questions about group orders, especially if one group member seems sober while others are intoxicated. It remains uncertain whether the restaurant can be liable if an apparently sober customer orders alcohol and another member causes harm after becoming intoxicated.
Currently, there have been no reports of restaurants being held responsible for harm caused by third parties, according to Mr. Chanon. He suggested that restaurants install CCTV cameras with audio recording capabilities, which would increase operational costs for establishments of all sizes.
The Restaurant Association called on authorities to revise the new regulations, arguing that individuals aged 20 and above are of legal drinking age and should be responsible for their own actions. Mr. Chanon also urged the government to promote initiatives to prevent drink-driving and to support ride-hailing or chauffeur services as alternatives.