Afternoon booze ban lifting touted as boost for Thai economy
As much as 10 billion baht can be generated as soon as the longstanding ban on the sale of alcohol for three hours in the afternoon is lifted, a campaigner said on Thursday.
Thanakorn Kuptajit, former president of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (TABBA), said he expected the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to consider lifting the 2pm to 5pm ban as part of the relaxation of preventive measures aimed at stimulating the economy.
TABBA and 15 other groups representing retailers, hotels, restaurants and bars recently called on the Council of State, which serves as the government’s legal advisory agency, to review the three-hour ban.
The group described the ban, which has been in force since 1972, as “outdated”. The sale of alcohol is permitted from 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to midnight.
“The service sector has been very badly affected by the Covid crisis. If the government allows alcohol to be sold during that period, businesses will become more active and more money can be circulated. This is a way to boost the economy during this inflation crisis,” Thanakorn said.
He added that if the CCSA and the Cabinet agree with the lifting of the ban, the Prime Minister’s Office could issue a decree for immediate effect.
“If the ban is lifted within April, at least 10 billion baht can be generated,” Thanakorn said.
At its meeting on Friday, the CCSA is expected to consider proposals from relevant agencies to ease preventive measures as part of Thailand’s plan to declare Covid-19 endemic by July 1.
Among the proposals are scrapping the requirement for pre-departure Covid testing before entering Thailand under the Test & Go scheme, allowing no masks in open-air areas such as public parks and reopening of entertainment venues.