The Restaurant Association has expressed concern over the new Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (2025), warning that the ban on consuming alcohol in establishments during restricted hours could deal a heavy blow to Thailand’s tourism and nightlife sectors.
The law, set to take effect on November 8, prohibits drinking alcohol during designated “no-drink” periods, even if beverages were purchased before the ban takes effect.
Under the current rules, alcohol sales are allowed only from 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to midnight. The restrictions do not apply to international airports, registered entertainment venues, or licensed hotels.
Many customers have traditionally bought their drinks before the cutoff times and continued drinking afterward — a practice that will soon be illegal.
Section 32 of the new law states that the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited during the restricted period in any venue where alcohol is sold or in any area authorized for commercial alcohol service, regardless of when the drinks were purchased.
The Alcohol Control Committee may still issue exemptions or conditions to the rule.
In effect, customers will be barred from drinking inside venues during restricted hours, regardless of when the alcohol was bought.
Restaurant Association president Chanon Koetcharoen said the new restrictions could significantly impact tourism and confuse both locals and foreign visitors.
“Even now, many customers don’t understand the purpose of Thailand’s limited drinking hours,” Mr. Chanon said. “When the prohibited time starts, foreign tourists — and even some Thais — don’t understand why they’re being asked to finish their drinks outside.”
No organic law has yet been proposed to exempt restaurants from the new rules.
Meanwhile, media reports indicate the government is considering reinstating a study on removing entertainment zoning rules and relaxing the afternoon alcohol sales ban. If approved, the changes would likely take effect in January 2026, after the peak year-end festive season.
Mr. Chanon noted that while these moves could help ease restrictions in the long term, businesses would still face difficulties through the end of this year.
Rawat Khongchat, a member of the Night Restaurant Business Trade Association, urged the government to abolish all zoning rules, arguing that doing so would help stimulate economies in both major and secondary cities.
However, some alcohol-control advocates have voiced opposition to the government’s proposal to ease regulations.
Mr. Rawat added that authorities should focus on enforcing existing laws, including traffic and driving regulations, and ensure that any additional tax revenue from relaxed rules is directed toward improving road safety and reducing accidents.
