Thailand has finally lifted a 53-year-old ban on the afternoon retail sale of alcoholic drinks just in time before the festive holidays in end-December.
The move is expected to help boost year-end holiday tourism, as well as business at venues such as bars and convenience stores. The ban from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. was however lifted on a trial basis for 180 days, after which its effects will be evaluated.
An afternoon ban on selling beer, spirits and wine was enacted in 1972, when Thailand was under military rule, although the original reasons for the measure are now obscure. Thailand is predominantly Buddhist and the religion discourages imbibing intoxicating substances, although drinking is common in the country.
Consumers are now allowed to buy such beverages from 11 a.m. until midnight, according to an amendment of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. While sales end at midnight, customers at nightlife venues are allowed to keep drinking until 1 a.m.
However, there were concerns that extending drinking to later hours could exacerbate the problem of drunk driving.
Afternoon sales of alcoholic drinks often have been in a gray area, with exemptions made for airports, some entertainment venues and hotels. Enforcement was inconsistent by neighborhood and under-the-counter sales were often available at small shops and eateries.
