Restaurant operators have called on City Hall to allow them to serve alcohol until 11pm but they have been initially refused by the Bangkok governor who prefers to take a wait-and-see approach as the country reopens.
Thanakorn Kuptajit, secretary-general of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association, said that operators want the government to extend the alcohol consumption period from 9pm to 11pm in the four provinces -- Bangkok, Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket.
The four provinces have been designated as "blue zones" where alcohol consumption is allowed in restaurants and eateries and the curfew has now been lifted.
"Extending the period to 11pm will be better because longer hours will help increase income for wait staff, musicians, and other grassroots income-earners," Mr Thanakorn said. "Most importantly, we want the government to meet for talks with vocational groups to discuss solutions to ease further restrictions while maintaining health safety standards."
But Bangkok governor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang on Monday rejected the request for an extension of the alcohol consumption period, saying the easing of curbs must proceed gradually.
An assessment will be made every two weeks and if people and businesses cooperate with City Hall, authorities will extend the alcohol consumption period.
"For those who do not finish their alcoholic drinks after the 9pm deadline, they should take their bottles home or try to drink up or just throw them away. Officials will be sent to make regular inspections," Pol Gen Aswin said.
Under the restrictions issued by the Bangkok communicable disease committee, only restaurants and eateries which have SHA (Safety and Health Administration) certificates issued by the Tourism Authority of Thailand are allowed to serve alcoholic drinks until 9pm. The consumption of alcoholic drinks is not allowed in hotels, exhibition halls and convention halls.
Mr Thanakorn further stated that the association and operators want the government to consider adding more provinces to the list of "blue zone" provinces to further welcome back foreign visitors.
He also said the reopening is expected to help resuscitate the economy by 20-30% during the remaining two months of the year.
