Long-awaited Thai regulatory change called ‘a starting point for civilisation’
Restaurants and beverage sellers say the revised alcohol sales rules give them greater flexibility in managing their business hours.
Thailand has finally abandoned its 54-year-old afternoon alcohol sales ban, which the Craft Beer Trade Association described as "a starting point for civilisation".The Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee announced new hours for alcohol sales, effective on Friday, of 11am to midnight. The ban from 2pm to 5pm, introduced in 1972 to deter civil servants from drinking on the job, is finally history.
Certain exceptions will permit alcohol sales outside the normal hours at specific locations, such as international airports, licensed entertainment venues and hotels.
Alcohol sales are also allowed in designated areas at venues hosting meetings, exhibitions, trade fairs, entertainment events or similar gatherings.
