Government urges bars, nightlife venues to remain safe on re-opening

The Thai government is warning nightlife operators to remain safe and to continue to adhere to Covid-19 prevention measures once they re-open next month. The warning comes following a meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration last Friday, when it was agreed that nightlife in designated parts of the country could re-open.

The businesses in question include bars, nightclubs, karaoke lounges, massage parlours, and all other nightlife, but they will be required to close by midnight. Alcohol promotions and other marketing activities are not permitted.

Last week, the CCSA adjusted its colour-coded zoning to designate 14 provinces as “green zones”, where nightlife can re-open from June 1. The same applies to 17 blue zone “tourism” provinces. However, nightlife operators in these provinces must continue to implement the Public Health Ministry’s disease prevention measures.

According to CCSA spokesperson Apisamai Srirangson, officials are aware that some entertainment venues have already re-opened without permission. She says these businesses will be issued with a warning, but if Covid-19 infections are tracked to their premises, they face being closed down for between 3 and 5 days.

For now, nightlife venues outside of the 31 green and blue provinces must remain shut. According to Apisamai, there are 46 “yellow zone” provinces where the Covid-19 infection rate remains high. These include the north-eastern provinces of Sakon Nakhon, Khon Kaen and Roi Et, as well as the central province of Samut Sakhon. Yesterday, Thailand reported 4,924 new infections and 37 Covid-related deaths.

At its meeting last Friday, the CCSA also decided to cancel the Thailand Pass for returning Thai citizens, but it remains in place for foreign arrivals.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post