Thailand –
Entertainment venue operators filed a letter to the Thai government requesting to legally open their venues until 4 A.M. and to cancel afternoon alcohol sales ban hours of 2-5.
The President of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (TABBA) Ms. Kemmigar Rattanakun filed the request yesterday (November 9th) to the Prime Minister at the Government House. Mr. Mongkolchai Somudon, deputy permanent secretary of the PM’s Office received the letter.
Ms. Kemmigar told Thai media, “We are focusing on the ‘Night Entertainment Zones’ which are well-known areas in Patong (Phuket), Khao Lak (Phang Nga), Cha Weng Beach (Samui Island in Surat Thani), most of Pattaya, and on Khao San Road, Soi Cowboy (Bangkok).”
“Entertainment venues opening hours in these zones need to be extended legally until 4:00 A.M.. Current heavy handed enforcement of earlier times is hurting tourism and these businesses. International tourists in particular do not like going home at midnight or 2AM.”
“In addition, outside these zones we need to be allowed to sell alcohol until 2:00 A.M. as now we are only allowed until midnight. For the special zones we need to be allowed to sell alcohol until 4:00 A.M. legally.”
“Finally, the alcohol sale hours ban during 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. needs to be reconsidered as the ban hours do not solve social problems or prevent accidents.” Ms. Kemmigar concluded.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is expected to officially petition the Thai Cabinet for these changes next week, notes The Pattaya News.
However, the energy ministry has called for the opposite. Due to rising fuel prices and energy costs a proposal has been made to mandate reduced hours for nightlife venues, malls, gas stations, and some other businesses. To read more about this proposal click here.
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