The ban on the sale of alcohol in the afternoon in Thailand will be lifted, but not in 7-Eleven and FamilyMart stores
The Thai government has confirmed the adoption of a law lifting the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages, including beer, from 14:00 to 17:00. According to the Minister of Tourism and Sports Phipat Ratchakitprakarn, restaurants and tourist attractions may also sell alcohol at this time at the discretion of provincial governors.
This ban was adopted in Thailand in 1972 because of fears that alcohol would be bought during working hours. It has been in effect in the kingdom for 50 years with the aim of improving society and weaning people from the bad habit of drinking alcohol during the day.
Representatives of various organizations such as the Thai Liquor Business Association, liquor companies, retailers and business associations have asked the government to repeal the outdated law, the Matichon newspaper reported. The businessmen say that the covid pandemic and then the Russian-Ukrainian conflict have virtually destroyed Thailand’s tourist market, which is the main market for alcoholic beverages in the country. In order to stay afloat and survive the severe crisis, the entrepreneurs asked for more opportunities to sell alcohol to the local population without daytime restrictions.
As a result, the decision was made, and the minister stressed that the lifting of the ban, which has confounded Thais and foreigners alike for decades, could greatly boost Thailand’s tourism industry. He said the country expects 25,000 to 30,000 foreign tourists to visit the kingdom starting July 1 and added that when they arrive, he doesn’t want to annoy them with a daily ban on alcohol sales during certain hours.
“Imagine some tourists are vacationing in their hotel and they are suddenly notified that alcohol is no longer allowed from 2 to 5 p.m. It would certainly undermine the country’s reputation.”
However, the minister reminded the public that the lifting of the ban would not apply to convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. “At least initially, until more research is done,” Phipat Ratchakitprakarn added.
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