Prevention and controlling of alcoholic beverages during the Covid-19 pandemics in Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

The purpose of research was to study to compare the actual role of government agencies in law enforcement on the control the sale of alcoholic beverages during normal situations and the situation after thesituation of Covid-19 pandemic as well as find out guidelines for the prevention and controlling of alcoholic consumption against the Covid-19 pandemic in the area of Ubon Ratchathani Province. The key informants were selected by set the qualifications and selecting by a purposive sampling. The groups of key informants comprised of 1) representatives of the Muang Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Police Station; 2) representatives from the public sectors in Ubon Ratchathani; 3) representatives from the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Public Health Office;4) representatives from the Muang Ubon Ratchathani District Administration and 5) representatives of employers and business owners. There were 10 key informants. The data was analyzed and summarized. Then, the result is presented in a descriptive content.

The results noted that Covid-19 pandemic is affected to social and economic factors, that limit drinking and selling of alcoholic beverages. Therefore, the law should be more strict enforcement than normal situations. The form of inspecting and controlling in sale of alcoholic beverages in Ubon Ratchathani Province during the Covid-19pandemic, officials and several staffs integrate to work and make a form of operational communication. However, it found that a large number of officers to inspecting entertainment place cause instability. Guidelines for the prevention and controlling of alcoholic beverages during the COVID-19 in Ubon Ratchathani Province are 1) it should increase the role of health officials to conduct penalty of fine; 2) The state should have measures to control the intrusion of conflicts of interest by government officials in the entertainment business and liquor store; 3) The state should prepare a kit of alcohol drinking awareness and society and  public health officials shall publicize information about alcohol consumption on the and infection of the COVID-19 virus; 4) The provincial governor should strictly apply enforcement of administrative measures to revoke the license and order business closure that seriously violate alcohol ban during the situation of Covid-19 pandemic.