Thailand lifts ban on afternoon alcohol sales in time for year-end holiday festivities

Thailand on Wednesday lifted a 53-year-old ban on afternoon retail sales of alcoholic drinks, a move expected to help boost year-end tourism, as well as business at venues such as bars and convenience stores.

The ban from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. will be lifted on an experimental basis for 180 days, after which its effects will be evaluated.

A ban on the sale of beer, spirits and wine in the afternoon was enacted in 1972, when Thailand was under military rule, although the original reasons for the measure are now unclear. Thailand is predominantly Buddhist and the religion discourages the use of intoxicants, although alcohol consumption is common.

Consumers are now allowed to purchase these drinks from 11 a.m. to midnight, according to an amendment to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act made official on Tuesday with its publication in the Royal Gazette. While the sales end at midnight, patrons of nightlife venues are allowed to continue drinking until 1 a.m.

While this change was being considered, concerns were raised that extending drinking to later hours could worsen the problem of drunk driving.

Afternoon sales of alcoholic beverages often fall into a gray area, with exemptions granted for airports, some entertainment venues and hotels. Application of the measures was inconsistent across neighborhoods and counter sales were often available in small stores and restaurants.

A complete ban on the sale of alcohol has been temporarily imposed in many areas during the coronavirus pandemic, in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

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