Afternoon alcohol sales ban being reviewed

Thailand may end its 52-year-old ban on the sale of alcohol in the afternoon, as the prime minister agrees to consider a review of the regulation in response to appeals to boost the tourism industry.

Srettha Thavisin is considering calls from the tourism sector, which would like to see a revision of the prohibition of alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm.

The regulations have been in place since 1972.

He was speaking after chairing a mobile cabinet meeting at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Nakhon Ratchasima, on Tuesday.

He revealed that the Restaurant Business Association has asked the government to implement immediate economic measures to prevent more restaurants from closing, due to the over 50% rise in raw material and energy costs.

He told reporters that, while the costs of business operations are getting rising, tourism activities have been actively promoted to ensure that restaurant owners earn more revenue.

The proposed regulations aim to boost alcohol sales to foreign tourists.