Ex-alcohol chief toasts potential gains from lifting drink sales ban
Former chairperson of the Alcohol Beverage Business Association recently discussed the potential economic benefits of lifting the ban on alcohol sales from 2pm to 5pm as well as on religious holidays.
The move aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directive to review regulations that hinder economic stimulation and contradict tourism promotion policies.
Thanakorn Kuptajit highlighted that revisiting these restrictions, including the zoning laws that limit sales, equalising the opening and closing times, and allowing electronic sales channels, could significantly boost the economy.
Thanakorn projected that easing these restrictions could immediately inject over 50 billion baht into the economy through increased spending by both international and domestic tourists. Including festival periods could potentially raise this figure to 100 billion baht within a year.
The impact would extend beyond the food and beverage industry, benefiting related sectors such as hotels, entertainment venues, restaurants, and general dining establishments.
This change is expected to create additional employment opportunities, including roles for contract drivers, waitstaff, and musicians, thereby increasing income through service provision.
Currently, stakeholders in these industries are optimistic about a swift response from the government. Members of the Nightlife Entrepreneurs Association and associated businesses are scheduled to meet to exchange views on these issues next Monday, February 17.
The outcomes of this meeting will be presented to government agencies to reconsider the alcohol sales ban and other outdated laws, reported KhaoSod.
Hotels and alcohol-related businesses have called for the government to abolish the 2pm to 5pm alcohol sales ban, arguing that it is outdated and no longer relevant.
The appeal comes as a bill amending the Alcohol Beverage Control Act moves towards its final readings in the House of Representatives, having already been approved by a special committee.
Kawee Sakawee, chairman of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association, highlighted that the restriction, introduced in 1972 to curb alcohol consumption among civil servants, is no longer necessary. The industry generates 600 billion baht annually, with 150 billion baht paid to the government.
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