Thailand set to relax 53-year-old ban on afternoon alcohol sales

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Thailand is set to ease restrictions on alcohol sales and advertising, stepping up a push to liberalize a drinks market seen as likely to spur tourism and support smaller breweries.

Lawmakers in the 500-member House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to pass an amended alcohol control bill, although the legislation still needs Senate approval. The changes are set to revoke an infamous 1972 military government order that bans sales of alcohol anytime before 11 am and again between 2 to 5 p.m.

The bill also softens rules on advertising to allow the promotion of alcoholic drinks. The law currently bans the display of names or trademarks of alcoholic drinks, or the use of pictures of such products for promotional purposes, making it difficult for small businesses to gain greater visibility.

The amendments are aimed at relaxing “unreasonable control” to stimulate economic activity, said lawmaker Chanin Rungtanakiat, a deputy head of the house committee in charge of steering the bill.

The laxer rules come amid a loosening of control over Thailand’s booze market, which has long been locked in a duopoly held by Singapore-listed Thai Beverage Pcl and Boon Rawd Brewery Co. Earlier this year, lawmakers also passed a bill to promote liquor production by micro breweries and small distilleries.

Thailand is a major tourist destination and is taking a number of steps to boost its attractiveness. It’s the only country in Asia with legal weed, and is also planning to legalize casinos.

The government will be reviewing a number of restrictions on alcohol that may pose issues for tourism, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said last month. These included the ban on sales of alcoholic beverages on Buddhist holy days and via online channels.