A Thai government committee overseeing alcohol policy will meet on Thursday to review new rules that impose harsh fines for drinking during times when sales are prohibited, the government said on Tuesday.
The amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which took effect on Nov 8, says individuals can be fined 10,000 baht or more for drinking or being served alcoholic beverages during prohibited times or in prohibited places.
The new rule does not specify the times but makes reference to a government announcement issued on June 23, which reiterated that permitted sale hours are between 11am and 2pm and between 5pm and midnight. Exceptions are made for international airports, licensed entertainment venues and hotels.
The change has taken many people by surprise, as they believed the ban on afternoon sales was going to be scrapped.
Thailand has banned most retail outlets and supermarkets from selling alcohol between the hours of 2pm and 5pm since 1972.
The new amendment means that customers at regular restaurants who might order alcoholic beverages in the daytime must finish them or stop drinking before 2pm. In theory, a person could order a drink at 1.59pm but if they are still drinking it at 2.01pm, they could be fined.
A government spokesman said the amended rules could cause confusion among people, especially foreign tourists.
A committee would address the issue on Thursday, and clarifications should be issued by Dec 4.
