Thailand considers lifting decades-old afternoon drinking ban

Thailand is considering lifting a decades-old ban on alcohol sales in a bid to boost tourism spending.

Afternoon alcohol sales have been banned for five decades, but the ban could be relaxed.

The Restaurant Business Club of Thailand and the Thai Hotels Association have both urged the government to end the ban on alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he was “happy to consider the restaurant owners’ proposals to amend the law”.

It is part of a series of pro-tourism proposals that include tax breaks.

“We have to look at the bigger picture. Costs are increasing, but the government is also promoting tourism, which will help increase restaurant owners’ income.”

Thailand aims to welcome 36.7 million visitors this year.

The country has just announced that it welcomed 17.5 million foreign tourists during the first half of this year.

The ban on drinking alcohol for three hours in the afternoon has been in effect since 1972.

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