Deputy PM says old rules carried over into new law ‘contradict everyday realities’

People gather outside nightspots on Lat Phrao Road in Bangkok. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)

Thai authorities will discuss lifting the ban on afternoon alcohol sales after facing heavy criticism from businesses and the public, Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum said on Wednesday.

The National Alcohol Policy Committee will meet on Thursday, after the cabinet acknowledged the potential impact of the rule on business and tourism, said Mr Sophon, describing it as an urgent issue that must be addressed.

He said some of the regulations in the amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, including the continued restriction on alcohol sales from 2pm to 5pm, are impractical and should be revoked.

“The outdated rules contradict everyday realities and create legal enforcement problems. We agree on the need for change and the ban should be lifted,” he said.

“We will have good news from the meeting. Easing the rules will reassure businesses and encourage tourism, helping to boost the local economy.”

Mr Sophon said restrictions on afternoon alcohol sales or consumption near schools and temples should remain, but in business areas, sales should be allowed.

The amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which took effect on Nov 8, finally did away with a 1972 decree issued by a coup regime that banned alcohol sales from 2-5pm. But it left in place a Prime Minister’s Office regulation issued with the 2008 version of the Act, which outlines the same prohibited sales hours.

As well, the new law shifted responsibility for observing the ban from business owners to individual drinkers. A person can be fined 10,000 baht or more for drinking or being served alcoholic beverages during prohibited times or in prohibited places.

Businesses petition PM

In a related development, a group of restaurant and nightlife business operators on Wednesday submitted a petition to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House, urging the government to review the new Act.

They included representatives from the Restaurant Business Club, Khao San Road Business Association, Thai Retailers Association, Thai Restaurant Association, Pattaya Entertainment and Tourism Industry Association, Craft Beer Trade Association and Khao Yai Tourism Association.

They said the decades-old ban on alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm no longer fits Thailand’s tourism and business climate.

Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, president of the Restaurant Business Club, said the group’s main concern was the new ban on customers remaining seated to continue drinking after the permitted hours, even if they have ordered their drinks beforehand.

The group also called for the abolition of zoning rules and for permission allowing customers to remain seated and continue drinking after the official nighttime sales hours between 5pm and midnight.

Mr Sorathep said the new regulations affects not only nightlife venues but also restaurants and the tourism industry.

Even tour guides are concerned, he said, noting that tourists may want to enjoy a beer during the hot afternoon hours but could inadvertently break the law, exposing restaurants and guides to legal penalties.

“This situation has created a vacuum,” he said. “We understand the health considerations behind the law, but the government also needs to consider its impact on the economy and the tourism industry.”

• Editorial: Cheers for the absurd rules

Restaurant and nightlife business representatives present a petition calling for eased alcohol regulations to government spokesman Siripong Ankasakulkiat (centre) at Government House on Wednesday. (Photo: Government House)