The Thai government has revived a proposal to look into easing zoning rules for entertainment venues, along with the afternoon alcohol sales ban, according to a cabinet source.
Some business operators say that while a change could reduce illegal after-hours operations, certain areas should remain off-limits for nightspots to avoid disturbing nearby neighbourhoods.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul this week directed the interior and public health ministries to study abolishing zoning regulations for entertainment venues nationwide, according to the source.
At the meeting, discussions concerned outdated zoning rules for entertainment venues, which currently allow only those located in designated zones in five major tourist locations – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chon Buri and Koh Samui – to operate until 4am, noted the source.
In Bangkok, only pubs and bars located in permitted zones – along Ratchadaphisek, Silom and Phetchaburi roads – are allowed to stay open late.
Venues outside these areas must either hold an entertainment venue licence or be located in hotels to operate until 4am. However, in practice many places stay open illegally by bribing local police officers.
The source said eliminating the zoning rule would encourage operators to register to extend their operating hours.
As a result, the government could collect more value-added tax, potentially amounting to several billion baht.
Authorities are also considering lifting the alcohol sales ban from 2-5pm, said the source.
Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, said very few pubs and bars on Khao San Road and elsewhere in Bangkok hold entertainment venue licences, and new licences have not been issued for a long time.
He said most venues only hold licences to sell alcohol and food, which allow them to operate until midnight, even though many bars remain open into the early hours.
If the government plans to reset the entertainment venue licensing system, Mr Sanga said it could persuade illegal operators to register, enabling authorities to enforce more safety measures.
The association said the government should consider issuing different types of venue licences based on operating hours, such as licences allowing operation until midnight, 2am or 4am.
Mr Sanga said zoning regulations should not be completely abolished, as doing so could allow nightlife venues to open near residential areas and disturb local communities.
The government should maintain zoning rules, but expand them to include bustling tourism areas such as Khao San Road and parts of Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok, as the city’s nightlife landscape has evolved, he said.
However, authorities should ensure adequate public transport and police presence to accommodate the growing number of nightlife visitors, Mr Sanga said.