Plan to be discussed if trial ends positively
The government is preparing to consider allowing bars, clubs and other entertainment venues in more areas to operate until 4am in an effort to stimulate the economy, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
He made the comment after a late-night inspection of nightspots along Khao San Road on Saturday, the second night in which bars and clubs along the famous tourist strip were allowed to open until 4am.
In addition to Khao San Road and other entertainment areas in Bangkok, starting from Friday, bars and clubs in Phuket, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui in Surat Thani, were also allowed to operate until 4am. Venues attached to registered hotels nationwide could also remain open until 4am.
In Bangkok, the extended hours apply to entertainment venues in Silom, Patpong, RCA and Ratchadaphisek as well as those located in the premises of hotels.
The extended hours are being tested for a limited time, and an extension is possible if the trial proves to be a success, Mr Anutin said.
“We are ready to support any initiative that will boost the economy,” he said.
“The longer hours mean more money in circulation and more jobs. This is our intention … but the hours must be subject to strict regulations.
“If it is under control and every party cooperates, we are ready to consider [expanding the scheme],” Mr Anutin said.
He indicated how pub owners and customers behave during the trial period would be considered, and that the government will look at compliance with drink-driving rules in particular.
During the inspection, Mr Anutin said operators put in place measures meant to ensure public safety.
“Business operators have promised not to sell alcohol to those who are clearly drunk … There must be no narcotics and weapons at the venues, and there must be no patrons under the age of 20,” he said.
Meanwhile in Phuket, governor Sophon Suwannarat said that on the first day of trial, a combined unit comprising local administrative officials, police and other authorities inspected the night entertainment strip along the popular Soi Bang La in Patong district.
He said most operators and patrons of entertainment places could be seen observing the regulations. He also noted 95% of the visitors were foreigners.
The governor added the policy will be evaluated in seven days.
Separaly, Polathep Vichitkunakorn, deputy director of the Centre for Alcohol Studies, said the government has not heeded calls to hold off on extending the operating hours.
This was despite the fact that numerous studies had found that incidences of sexual harassment, physical assault, fights and property damage tend to increase in hours when alcohol can be freely bought and consumed. The road toll could also increase if people were drinking longer.
“In fact, the government has even decided to extend the operating hours of entertainment places on the night of Dec 31 to 6am on Jan 1,” he said.
“Before the end of the year, the government must show that traffic accidents have not risen since the operating hours were extended,” Dr Polathep said, adding the government must publish the results of the trial before making the 4am closing time permanent, notwithstanding its effort to boost the economy.
Negative public feedback should compel authorities to revise the policy and manage the risk more effectively, Dr Polathep added.