People in Thailand enjoying an afternoon drink risk large fines from Saturday under amended alcohol control rules that strengthen enforcement.
Alcohol sales in Thailand have been banned at most retail outlets and supermarkets between the hours of 2pm and 5pm since 1972, but changes to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act that took effect on Saturday now mean individuals can be fined 10,000 baht or more for drinking or being served alcoholic beverages during prohibited times or in prohibited places.
Although there are exemptions for licensed entertainment venues, hotels, certified establishments in tourist areas and airports offering international flights, the onus has been shifted to consumers.
The new rules will have an adverse effect on restaurants because it is the customer that is now “restricted” by the stipulated sale hours, the Thai Restaurant Association said.
If an establishment sells a bottle of beer to a customer at 1.59pm, for example, but they sit and drink on the premises until 2.05pm, that person could be fined. This will impede the growth of the restaurant industry, the association said.
Along Khao San Road, an area in Bangkok known as a backpacker hub, one business said they are operating as a hybrid bar and restaurant from 11am to 2 am. Alcohol sales are loosely controlled considering customers can and do order drinks between the officially prohibited hours.
With the possibility of drinkers themselves being fined, sales of alcohol may halve during those times, an assistant manager said.
There is also concern the stricter laws present an opportunity for officials to enforce fines on customers, restaurants — or both — for personal gain.
They also risk confusing foreign tourists who may order a drink before the restricted hours but consume it afterward, he said.
