Government may expand 4am opening after trial
The government is preparing to consider allowing bars, clubs and other entertainment venues in more areas to operate until 4am in an effort to stimulate the economy, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
He made the comment after a latenight inspection of nightspots along Khao San Rd in Bangkok last Saturday (Dec 16), the second night in which bars and clubs along the famous tourist strip were allowed to open until 4am.
Additionally, bars and clubs in Phuket, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui in Surat Thani, were also allowed to operate until 4am. Venues attached to registered hotels nationwide could also remain open until the same time.
The extended hours are being tested for a limited time, and an extension is possible if the trial proves to be a success, Anutin said.
“We are ready to support any initiative that will boost the economy,” he said.
“The longer hours mean more money in circulation and more jobs. This is our intention... but the hours must be subject to strict regulations.
“If it is under control and every party cooperates, we are ready to consider.”
He indicated how pub owners and customers behave during the trial period would be considered, and that the government will look at compliance with drink-driving rules in particular.
“Business operators have promised not to sell alcohol to those who are clearly drunk... There must be no narcotics and weapons at the venues, and there must be no patrons under the age of 20,” he said.
It has also been confirmed that places of entertainment will be allowed to remain open all night until 6am for the New Year celebrations on Jan 1.
Government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Dec 11 the temporary extension of the closing time was aimed at promoting tourism and New Year celebrations.
Meanwhile, Polathep Vichitkunakorn, deputy director of the Centre for Alcohol Studies, said the government has not heeded calls to hold off on extending the operating hours.
This was despite the fact that numerous studies had found that incidences of sexual harassment, physical assault, fights and property damage tend to increase in hours when alcohol can be freely bought and consumed. The road toll could also increase if people were drinking longer.
“Before the end of the year, the government must show that traffic accidents have not risen since the operating hours were extended,” Dr Polathep said, adding the government must publish the results of the trial before making the 4am closing time permanent, notwithstanding its effort to boost the economy.