Whoops! Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has apologised for getting it wrong when he stated recently that extended nightlife hours would not cover alcohol sales. The misinformed statement on Sunday had nightlife operators scurrying, with many describing the proposed later hours as pointless if they couldn’t sell alcohol.
From December 15, nightlife venues in designated areas of Phuket, Chon Buri, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, can stay open until 4am, two hours later than the legal closing time of 2am that will still apply in the rest of the country.
However, Anutin sparked confusion when he remarked that the later hours wouldn’t apply to alcohol sales, stating that venues could stay open and customers could remain on the premises until 4am, but no alcohol could be sold.
The Phuket Express reports that the minister has now apologised for the “misleading information”, saying he was referring only to venues such as restaurants (which are not covered by the extended hours in any case…)
Anutin went on to say that his ministry is currently hearing the views and opinions of all concerned parties, including local residents, prior to submitting them to Cabinet.
He adds that more information on extended-hour services will be provided by the Director General of the Department of Provincial Administration and that all is on track for the new hours to take effect from December 15.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
