Cheers: Thai hotels to offer 24-hour alcohol service over new year
Hotel guests will soon enjoy the convenience of ordering alcoholic beverages to their rooms at any time over the new year period. This change, sanctioned by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, was announced following their recent meeting.
Somsak Thepsutin, the Public Health Minister, led the approval for this adjustment, which allows hotel patrons unrestricted access to alcohol from in-house bars and restaurants. Typically, guests can order alcohol until 10pm from restaurants and till 2am from bars within the hotel premises. However, mini-bars in rooms remain accessible throughout the day.
Hotels, holding the necessary alcohol licences, are permitted to extend their serving hours during the new year celebrations. This decision came after the Thai Hotels Association (THA) requested the 24-hour service rule, aiming to enhance guests’ experiences during the festive season.
A contrasting decision was made regarding the sale of alcohol on trains. Despite a request from the State Railways of Thailand (SRT) for a similar relaxation, the board chose to maintain the existing ban. The rationale, as expressed by Somsak, is that allowing alcohol on trains may lead to increased crime rates and jeopardise passenger safety.
“The SRT should conduct a study into whether alcohol sales could drive growth among train passengers and tourists,” Somsak suggested, indicating a potential reconsideration for first-class sleeper coaches, dining cars, or chartered trains.
The backdrop to these discussions is a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving. During the last new year holiday, a staggering 4,777 road users were injured due to alcohol-related incidents. Additionally, 23,902 motorists underwent breathalyser tests at checkpoints, with 3,370 testing positive for intoxication.
In response, the board has mandated subdistrict health promotion hospitals to disseminate information on the stringent enforcement of drunk driving laws. These hospitals will collaborate with local administrative bodies to implement community-level prevention strategies. Parents are urged to be vigilant about family members’ drinking habits, ensuring they do not drive under the influence.
Dr Panumas Yanwetsakul, head of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), outlined a comprehensive road safety strategy for this new year. The plan is structured in three phases: a pre-festival campaign to combat drunk driving, ongoing assessments during the festivities, and a subsequent review of the outcomes, reported Bangkok Post.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NY1 reports the MTA’s New Year’s Eve preparations include extra trains and a strict alcohol ban for commuter services, urging public transport use amidst anticipated road closures and heavy traffic. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why is the alcohol service extension limited to hotels and not trains?
Hotels offer controlled environments, while trains pose safety risks, potentially increasing crime and endangering passengers.
How might unrestricted alcohol access in hotels impact guest behaviour during new year celebrations?
Greater access may enhance enjoyment but could also lead to increased alcohol consumption and potential safety concerns.
What if the State Railways of Thailand revisited alcohol sales, focusing on specific train services?
This could cater to tourists in first-class or chartered trains, balancing service enhancement with safety.
How does Thailand plan to tackle drunk driving during festive periods?
Through community-level prevention strategies, health information dissemination, and strict law enforcement on drunk driving.
What role do local health bodies play in promoting road safety during the new year?
They collaborate with local administrators to educate the public on drunk driving laws and prevention strategies.
